Withnell

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Withnell is a civil parish in the borough of Chorley in Lancashire, England. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 3,631. Withnell is about five miles north-east of Chorley itself. It constituted an urban district from 1894 to 1974. It was originally called 'Withinhull' around 1160, later appearing as 'Withinhulle' in the 1332 Subsidy Rolls of Lancashire, meaning 'a hill where willow trees grow'. It borders the villages of Brinscall and Abbey Village. Amenities in Withnell include:

• A Catholic school and church (St. Joseph's)
• A Church of England church (St. Paul's)
• A Post Office/newsagent
• A small village shop selling various groceries

Withnell Local Nature Reserve roughly traces the path of a now disused railway cutting for around 2/3 of a mile. Since 1966, a large number of wildflowers, native trees and heathers have been planted in the 12-acre site. The public are free to walk through this Reserve, designated as a Local Nature Reserve by Chorley Borough Council.