November hasn’t been a great month for getting out an about. The weather has been utterly miserable. We’ve not had the deluge that they’ve been experiencing across the eastern side of the country, but we’ve had more than the normal amount of rain and its been generally grey and miserable. On top of that this time of year is always busy at work and the damp weather brings out the colds and sniffles. So all in all I’ve not been out walking as much as I’d like and when I have been out its mainly been in relatively close vicinity to home. However, I am lucky in that although I live close to the centre of town, just a short walk down to the bottom of our street and I’m down by the river and on my way to the Plantations.
So, during November, I have managed a few walks around the Plantations and have been able to see the leaves change colour and gradually fall to earth, covering the paths through the woods. So here’s a few shots taken during several ambles through the Woodland Park.
It’s hard to believe that this was once an industrial wasteland, but the Plantations were laid out in the 1860s to hide the condition of the landscape after being damaged by the mining activity. This provided work for Wiganers made unemployed by the cotton famine caused by the American Civil War. Today they’re a great amenity, an area of woodland within walking distance of the town centre and accessed by a “green corridor” along the River Douglas.
Down by the Dougie 
What a beautiful reclamation of the land. Why the name Plantations? Is it a reference also to the Amn Civil War?
Your photographs are stunning and look like paintings.
What a lovely peaceful area, thanks for the guide and walk.
Thanks 🙂 Pictures just snapped on my phone.
I’d never really thought about the name of the Plantations being connected with the Civil War. Certainly possible. I just thought it was because it was a plantation of trees. But you may have something!
What a rich palette of autumnal colour. The Plantations look stunning. Great photos.
Thanks. Amazing what you can do with a phone on a sunny day! We’re lucky to have this pleasant woodland on our (almost literally) doorstep.
I like your explanation much better!
Such gorgeous autumnal colours! I love places with interesting histories behind their name.
Thanks! There’s plenty of history around here!
Given the link to the Cotton Famine and your love of statues, have you seen the one of Abraham Lincoln in Manchester? can’t recall seeing it mentioned on your blog.
I have! I think he was in my first statue post. The pond in Alexandra Park, Manchester, was also built by Mancunian cotton workers when the American Civil War was going on.
I’ll need to look up that post!
Beautiful, autumn colours. You wouldn’t think this was so close to a town centre. Our November weather hasn’t been great either, but we’ve got out and about more than I thought we would have.
Thanks.
It’s not just been the weather preventing me getting out and about as much. Busy at work, short days and a cold have all conspired 😦
Oh no, colds are the worst. Avoided that so far, 🤞🏻.
At least I shouldn’t get the flu’ Had the jab!
Me too! First time. When I took my mum for hers the nurse suggested I should get one as mum would be housebound if I was out of action. I’m not eligible for a few years yet but I went to Boots.
I’m an insulin dependent diabetic so it’s a freebie
Can’t press Like on that 🙁.
It’s no bother. I keep it well under control 🙂
The Autumn colours have been stunning this year and you’ve certainly captured them. 🙂
Thanks Shazza 🙂
Just been watching Canal Boat Diaries with Robbie Cumming where he is travelling in your area and we see the large areas of water called ‘flashes’. All a result of land sinking due to mine working. So enjoyed the synchronicity of seeing your post about the tree planting. It looks beautiful.
Thanks 😀. The Flashes are another example of an industrial wasteland that’s been converted into an amenity – wetlands and a haven for wildlife as well as an area for walking, mountain biking and even sailing and canoeing
Same for me in October and November, a few short walks catching a few hours of bright weather. You’ve caught the colours of autumn really well, shame the weather hasn’t allowed us to see them more often