Sunday Stroll

15:00 White cloud 9 o C. Wind NNE 2mph. Humidity 66%. Pressure 1015mB. Visibility good. High tide today 17:26, 7.17m.

Dock gates closed.

Today's circular stroll took me alongside the lock and dock entrance down to the Bullnose. The dock basin was almost totally devoid of life, only 3 black headed gulls in evidence. There were a few anglers down on the Bullnose, a cormorant fishing further up the river seemed to be having more luck. Quite a few small birds in the trees alongside the path, including the long-tailed tits which have now become regular garden visitors.


For anybody interested in the history of Preston Dock there are quite a few images to be found on flickr, including this 1885 plan showing the dock basin and wet dock, and the diversion of the River Ribble.


I spotted these at the side of the footpath, don't think these are native Prestonians, but they brighten the day.

Tuesday Tracks

14:00 Sunny intervals 11 o C. Wind W 5mph. Humidity 78%. Pressure 1040mB. Visibility good. High tide today 12:54, 10.04m.

A lovely day for a stroll down the dock, feeling much warmer now.



In the Albert Edward dock

Black Headed gull x 100
Black Backed gull x 20
Herring gull x 5
Common gull x 10
Cormorant x 15
Coot x 5
Mallard x 2
Swan x 2

More Visitors

The tugboat East is back in the lock today, and we have another visitor on the public mooring near the 'Waterfront' pub.

This naval vessel, HMS Charger, was attracting an admiring crowd near the Control pyramid when i arrived home today. She is based at Liverpool, and has some connection with the university Royal Naval Unit. Charger is an apt name for a Fast Patrol vessel.

Thursday Thoughts

16:00 White Cloud 7 o C. Wind NW 10mph. Humidity 89%. Pressure 1016mB. Visibility good. High tide today 21:40, 8.80m

The boatyard is a hive of industry today, usually a sign of approaching spring as people are preparing for the sailing season.


In the dock basin
Dock gates closed

Black headed gull x 20
Mallard x 2

Both male and female woodpeckers are now daily visitors to the garden and this one was feeding when I came in from my walk. Luckily, I had my camera in my hand so was able to grab a quick shot through the window.

Sunday Stroll

This being Sunday, so no workmen or heavy machinery about, my stroll took me along part of the 'Penwortham to Dock' section of the Guild Wheel. I haven't used this path for a while, preferring the Bullnose path or dockside walk while the work has been going on.

The path is now far wider than previously, and quite a few trees have been removed or cut back. This improves the access for cyclists and people with impairments (including me), but I rather liked the tangle and undergrowth. It looks rather bleak and lifeless at the moment, but I expect it it will improve once the work is finished, the trees put on some leaf and the weather improves.



I heard plenty of birdsong, but saw relatively few birds. There is never very much on the river itself along here - an occasional mallard or cormorant. Two herring gulls flew past, flying low and following the river towards Lytham. The wild flowers along the old path used attract a lot of butterflies in summer. Some interesting relics of the dock's history - such as the training walls and Diversion Quay - can be seen along here.



Herring gull x 2
Blackbird x 2
Blue tit x 2
Robin x 1
Wood pigeon x 1

I thought I glimpsed a longtailed tit, but could not be certain. If anybody ever writes a book entitled "Identifying Birds by Their Backsides" I'll definitely buy a copy.

Tuesday's Tally

16:00 White Cloud 8 o C. Wind Sw 11mph. Humidity 70%. Pressure 1016mB. Visibility good. High tide today 13:10, 9.01m

Plenty of sunshine earlier but a really cold wind. The water in the dock is very choppy. Clouding over now.

In the dock basin
Dock gates closed

Black headed gull x 14
Mallard x 2

Sunday Stroll

15:00 Sunny 8 o C. Wind SSE 6mph. Humidity 61%. Pressure 1032mB. Visibility good. High tide today 12:11, 9.22m

A beautiful day,not a cloud in the sky. Still chilly, especially out of the sun. Spring flowers are starting to come up, there are beautiful crocuses flowering in Ashton Park, along Pedders Lane.

In the dock basin
Dock gates closed

Black headed gull x 65
Mute Swan x 2
Mallard x 2
Cormorant x 1
Coot x 1



When the tide is out it's easy to see the build-up of silt that contributed to the Dock's demise as a working port.

Friday Friends

The tugboat 'East' of Willemstad has paid us a visit. It's always good to see a working boat in the lock, a reminder of Riversway's heritage.

Both adult mute swans wandered over to say "Hello" and give her the once-over.

The Preston Lamb looked tiny in comparison

Wednesday Wander

12:00 Sunshine 5 o C. Wind ESE 4mph. Humidity 72%. Pressure 1039mB. Visibility good. High tide today 9:57, 8.48m

Far too nice a day to spend indoors, so a pre-lunch stroll down the Bullnose to the river was called for. Not many birds in the basin today, as is often the case in calmer weather. Now March is here we will soon be watching out for returning summer visitors.

In the dock basin
Dock gates closed

Black headed gull x 20
Mallard x 2

Once Every Preston Guild

Preston Guild is held every 20 years, hence the expression 'Once every Preston Guild' for something that seldom happens.

The next Guild will be in 2012, and a new cycling and walking route is being created in celebration. The route will be called the Guild Wheel, and work has been ongoing down here at the docks for some months.

Section 1 from Penwortham Bridge to the Docks

There was already a riverside footpath, but it wasn't suitable for cycling.

See the Preston City Council website for more info about Guild Wheel 2012

More info about the Guild can be found at Preston Guild 2012

The 'Prestonian' will no doubt receive a lick of paint and a tidy-up to make sure she's smart and in good trim for the Guild.



This year's Riversway Festival will be held from from the 15th until the 17th of July, details will be posted on the festival's website when available. Booking forms and tidal times can be downloaded now at Preston Riversway Festival