A NATURE trail named after a former Darwen linen magnate has opened on the edge of the town.
The Herbert Parkinson Wildlife Trail is a figure-of-eight route through Sunnyhurst Wood, taking in Earndale Reservoir and providing views of Darwen Tower.
The mile-and-half long trail starts and finishes at Sunnyhurst Wood visitor's centre, off Earnsdale Road.
In 1934, Herbert Parkinson purchased Orchard Mill in Darwen, which is now owned by chemical giant ICI. The mill was used to produce Jacquard fabrics using filament and spun yarn.
After being bought by the John Lewis Partnership, the company moved to its present site at Sunnyhurst Mill, now called Harvest Mill, in 1960.
Today, Herbert Parkinson Ltd employs 290 people and weaves furnishing fabrics for the John Lewis Partnership. For more information about the trail, call 01254 701545.
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