Swans and pleasurecraft at Spike Island, Widnes
Introduction
The photograph on this page of Swans and pleasurecraft at Spike Island, Widnes by Sue Adair as part of the Geograph project.
The Geograph project started in 2005 with the aim of publishing, organising and preserving representative images for every square kilometre of Great Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man.
There are currently over 7.5m images from over 14,400 individuals and you can help contribute to the project by visiting https://www.geograph.org.uk

Image: © Sue Adair Taken: 20 Aug 2005
This is the very end of the Sankey canal just before it enters the river Mersey near to the Runcorn Bridge. Spike Island was the birthplace of the British chemical industry. In the late 19th century the area was dominated by huge factories and a maze of railway lines criss-crossed the Island. A network of footpaths has replaced the railway lines on the Island, allowing you to explore the site and enjoy expansive views across the River and up the Sankey Canal to Warrington and beyond. Many different kinds of birds and other animals can be seen at Spike Island and on the marshes towards Fiddler's Ferry. The catalyst museum is nearby and with canalside walks, acres of grassland and woodland to explore, visitor centre, picnic area, quiet spots for fishing and many water fowl this is a good spot to take the family.