Council buys Darwen beauty spot Jack’s Key Lodge to secure its future
The site will be preserved as open space for residents and visitors
Jack’s Key Lodge, a well-loved beauty spot in Darwen, has been purchased by Blackburn with Darwen Council to safeguard its future for the local community and visitors.
The historic site, which dates back to the 1800s, was once home to a boating lake and reservoir, now transformed into an ecological haven rich in biodiversity.
After being put up for auction by The Crown Estate, the council secured the site to ensure it remains accessible and protected. Speaking about the decision, Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
“We were alerted at the eleventh hour by a resident that Jack’s Key Lodge had been put up for auction.
“We quickly rallied to bid for the beauty spot to ensure we could help safeguard its future, and we’re really pleased to say we’ve been successful."
The council plans to retain the site as open space, so residents and visitors can continue enjoying the walks, scenery, and wildlife freely.
Dating back more than a century, Jack’s Key Lodge was a popular destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and even had a sandy bay once described as “just like Blackpool!” The site originally served as a reservoir providing water to a nearby paper mill until it was drained in the 1980s.
In 2017, the Environment Agency reopened the area to the public following a £2.4 million transformation into an ecological reserve. Works included removing the dam, creating a pond to reduce flood risks, landscaping, adding a river channel and scenic walkway with sculptures carved into wood.
Cllr Riley highlighted its significance to the local community, saying:
“This is a place popular with walkers, families and residents who enjoy the open space and the views from points over to Darwen’s Jubilee Tower.
“This is fantastic news that we’re able to share for Darwen and Darreners!”
Jack’s Key Lodge, which borders Cranberry, Darwen Cemetery, and homes in Jack’s Key, is described as one of Darwen’s biodiversity hotspots. Its wetland habitat is valuable for local wildlife, and an information board at the site outlines its importance.
The council’s acquisition ensures that the site remains a cherished open space for generations to come.