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After the closure of the College in the 1980s, the future of the open area was in doubt - it was considered for housing development at one time - but ultimately it was decided to keep it as a nature reserve and informal recreation area. The Friends of Childwall Woods & Fields have been very active in securing its preservation, and have plans for its further improvement. Their volunteers support the City Council by carrying out various maintenance tasks.

The College buildings were sold to Phil Redmond's Mersey TV company. Part became the Brookside 'shopping parade', and later on doubled as Chester for Hollyoaks. Access to the woods is from Childwall Abbey Road, Countisbury Drive, Woolton Road and Quickswood Close. They and the fields - which can be entered either from the woods or from Childwall Lane - remain a popular venue for family outings, dog walkers and anyone else seeking peace and quiet, fresh air and exercise.