In Birchwood Forest Park, earth depressions from the former Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF Risley) are still visible. The Encounter sculpture at Junction 11 of the M62 is aimed at travellers heading to Birchwood and Warrington East; the “Boggart and Friends” trail in the Risley Moss nature reserve features carved figures, and an annual carnival is held on the park’s playing fields. These themes differ in their timing and practical focus: historical traces, an artistic landmark, an activity trail and an event whose date may vary each year.

Traces of War and Building History

The visible depressions in Birchwood Forest Park are remnants of the former Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF Risley), a munitions factory from the Second World War. Their significance here also lies in the shape of the landscape: part of the site’s former use remains as a visible earth depression. Anyone interested in the history of the munitions industry can encounter a tangible trace here, rather than just a name or date.

Barn Adjoining Parkers Farm in Birchwood represents a different period. The former barn dates from the early 18th century and is now used as a garage and storage space. Its original stone-slate roof was replaced with slate tiles from Wales. Compared with the earth depressions, the historical focus here is on the building’s use and structural changes.

An Artistic Landmark on the M62

Encounter is a sculptural illuminated landmark at Junction 11 of the M62. It is aimed at travellers arriving in Birchwood and Warrington East. This makes the work different from the earth depressions in Birchwood Forest Park: while these point to former industrial use, Encounter adds an artistic touch at a motorway junction. A historical trace in the landscape and a work of art directed at arriving travellers thus represent two different themes.

Orienteering and a Figure Trail at Risley Moss

The redesigned orienteering course at Risley Moss nature reserve has a clear format. You can get a map and an answer card for the course at the visitor centre. Course details may be updated by the reserve team, so check the latest information before your visit. The Risley Moss Visitor Centre is in Birchwood, at Ordnance Avenue, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6QX.

The “Boggart and Friends” trail has a different focus: it features chainsaw sculptures of the Risley Moss Boggart family and their animal companions, spread throughout the reserve. The two activities therefore differ not only in their themes. For orienteering, the map is part of the task; on the trail, the distributed figures shape the experience. This contrast can help you choose between a course with a map and answer card and a trail featuring sculpted figures.

An Annual Event at Birchwood Forest Park

A carnival is usually held annually in early June on the playing fields at Birchwood Forest Park. The exact date and programme vary from year to year. If the carnival is important to your trip, check the details for the relevant year before setting your travel dates. Unlike the surviving earth depressions, the carnival is a recurring event whose date depends on the year.

Discover more destinations: Lymm, Glazebrook, Winwick, Glazebury, Risley, Culcheth, Warrington, Croft

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