Brookside
Site Investigations
Brookside Nature Reserve Site Investigations
Page last updated: 24th June 2026
Hyndburn Borough Council is currently investigating the impacts of industrial legacy at Brookside Nature Reserve in Oswaldtwistle, as part of ongoing environmental improvement works at the site.
Preliminary specialist assessments have been carried out to support the Council’s wider plans to enhance and protect Brookside as a high-quality public natural space. These assessments are an important part of ensuring the site is safe, sustainable, and fit for future use.
Initial sampling has identified the presence of potential contaminants in some areas of the site. These may be linked to historic land use and include substances such as petroleum-based oils, solvents, phenols and pesticides. At this stage, further work is required to understand the nature, extent and any potential risk associated with these findings.
Preliminary investigations found no evidence of site-wide contamination, with most locations showing no visible signs or odours and vegetation limiting exposure in many areas; evidence of contamination has been identified only in soils within parts of the central and southern areas and in water at one of the central mill lodges although it is recognised that the sampling and testing completed to date has been limited and this is to be addressed in further site assessments.
Environmental Health officers, supported by specialist consultants RSK Environment Limited trading as RSK Geosciences, are now carrying out more detailed investigations.
The site remains open for walking and informal recreation. However, as a precaution, access to some central areas has been restricted while further testing takes place. Visitors are asked to follow on-site signage, avoid restricted areas, and keep dogs out of the water bodies.
Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP, Leader of the Council said:
“We understand that news of potential contamination may cause concern, but I want to reassure residents that the Council is already taking proactive steps to investigate and manage the situation. These checks are part of our wider commitment to improving Brookside and ensuring it remains a valued green space for the community.
“We will continue to provide clear, factual updates so residents understand what is happening and why. Public safety remains our top priority.”
The Council acquired the land in 2022 specifically to safeguard it as public green space and to invest in environmental improvements for the benefit of residents and future generations. This investigation forms part of that ongoing commitment.
The Council is working closely with environmental health specialists and partner organisations to ensure the site is appropriately assessed and managed. Volunteer and community activities continue to take place where appropriate, with safety measures and risk management arrangements in place.
We will update this page as and when more information becomes available.
We know that people in our communities may have a range of questions or concerns. This page will provide information on the investigation in place and answers to some of the questions that may arise.
What has been found?
Initial sampling has identified the presence of some potential contaminants in some shallow soils and in water in some of the lodges on site. Further detailed testing is now underway to confirm what these are and whether they pose any risk.
What type of contamination is it?
A range of chemical substances linked to potential contamination have been found likely to be associated with a chemical works and farms previously present. The substances include petroleum-based oils, solvents, phenols and pesticides.
Why do you need to carry out several phases of sampling?
Determining the level of risk is a complex process which uses a variety of information. While a handful of soil samples taken from a parcel of land will identify likely chemical deposition, a lot more samples are needed to confidently conclude on risk posed to the users of that land.
Data from soil samples is one of these sources of information, but the way the land is used and who by are also important, contributing factors. Screening levels differ for certain types of land use because people use land differently which affects their exposure to soil contamination.
We are committed to keeping the community informed about the investigation and we will make sure information is made available as soon as possible.
Are the public at risk?
There is no information to suggest any of the chemicals / contaminants found pose any immediate health concerns and the proposed actions in closing off some of the open space is to both minimise any further contact with what has been found so far as well as facilitating follow-up work. The additional work will allow a better understanding of what is under the site and what that means for the next steps planned for the area.
Why is this being done now?
This work is being carried out as part of the Council’s proactive improvements to Brookside, including detailed assessments of the site. These investigations are part of a precautionary approach to make sure the site remains safe, well-managed and fit for future use.
Why wasn't this identified sooner?
The investigation has been carried out as part of the extensive environmental improvements the Council are making to the site after acquiring the land in 2022
Is the area closed?
The area is open to the public for walking and informal recreation, although we have restricted access to some central areas.
Who is carrying out the investigation?
The Council is working with Environmental Health and specialist consultants RSK Environment Ltd trading as RSK Geosciences to carry out further, more extensive sampling and investigations of the site.
What should I do if I visit the site?
Follow any on‑site signage and avoid restricted areas. We recommend good hygiene practices including washing your hands before eating/drinking/smoking after visiting the site
When will you know more?
We expect the next stage of assessments to begin in summer 2026, followed by specialist analysis and reporting, and that further updates will be available in Autumn 2026
Is it safe to walk through Brookside on the footpaths?
Walking on the footpaths is the safest way to continue to enjoy using Brookside Nature Reserve. However, we recommend good hygiene practices including washing your hands before eating/drinking/smoking after visiting the site.
Is it safe to walk through the woodland areas?
Whilst further testing is carried out we recommend visitors stay on the footpaths
Why is this being done now, when there has always been public access at this site?
Although the Council only acquired the site in 2022, it has been used as public open space for decades. As part of the proactive environmental improvements the Council are making to the site, specialists RSK Environment Ltd were commissioned by the Council to carry out soil and water sampling, analysis and preliminary risk assessments. This process has identified industrial contaminants in some locations.
What is happening with the volunteering activities at Brookside?
Volunteer and community activities are organised to ensure the safety of all participants. Consideration is given to the type of activity, suitable locations on site and with enhanced hygiene provisions and risk management arrangements in place.
Is it safe to swim in any of the mill lodges?
It is never safe to swim in mill lodges, regardless of any potential contamination. Anyone considering open water swimming anywhere in Hyndburn should follow water safe guidance from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service https://www.lancsfirerescue.org.uk/safety/outdoor-safety/water-safety
My dog has been in the water at Brookside Nature Reserve. Should I be concerned?
Precautionary signage is in place advising that dogs should not enter the water bodies. If your dog has previously been in the water, the likelihood of any impact will depend on the type and level of exposure. As a sensible precaution, monitor your dog for any unusual symptoms and contact your vet if you have concerns.
What precautions should I take when walking my dog at the site?
Visitors are advised to follow on-site signage and take simple steps to reduce potential exposure. These include keeping dogs on leads near the lodges to prevent them entering the water, discouraging dogs from drinking standing water or digging, and washing dogs thoroughly after walks if they do come into contact with soil.
What should I do if I notice anything that looks or smells unusual?
There is often a phenol smell (like the disinfectant TCP) from one of the central mill lodges which we are aware of, and this will form part of the investigations. But if you notice anything of concern, please email brookside@hyndburnbc.gov.uk with any information
For enquiries, please contact: brookside@hyndburnbc.gov.uk