WE in East Lancashire are very lucky in having so many reservoirs within easy reach.

For this we can thank the cotton industry which from the 1850s demanded more and more clean water.

Even those which were built later, as the case with Hurstwood have had plenty of time to settle down and the wildlife is now well established.

Hurstwood is a hamlet signed from the road between Burnley and Todmorden.

There is an extensive car park and a well marked footpath leads to and around Hurstwood Reservoir but nearby there is Cantclough Reservoir which is also well worth a visit.

The stroll from the car park leads through a conifer woodland and this is the place to see some interesting fungi including the red and white fly agaric and resident birds such as treecreeper, Jay and tawny owl. There are few more beautiful reservoir walks than this one, whatever the time of year. Choose a sunny day in August and you will be delighted.

There are plenty of places to picnic.