Greater manchester Parks & Gardens
Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve
Once part of the Alkrington Hall Estate, this area of mature woodland provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. Paths take the visitor through the woodland, along the banks of the River Irk or around the fishing lodges at Rhodes.
Manchester Old Road Rhodes Middlteton Tel: 01706 373421
Blackleach Country Park
50 hectares of countryside set around a reservoir. The visitor centre provides leaflets and information on the walks, the local history and the wildlife of the area.
Hilltop Road, off Bolton Road, Walkden, Salford, M28 3PQ Tel: 0161 7907746 Email
Brownhill Countryside Centre
The Centre includes a sensory garden and regularly hosts rural-based activities from the Oldham Countryside Service’s programme. There are Exhibitions, crawly tunnels and live exhibits among the attractions.
Wool Road Dobcross Oldham OL3 5PB Tel: 01457 872598
Buile Hill Park & Hall
The world's first public park. It features an 18 hole pitch & putt course, tennis courts, tropical plant collections, play areas, picnic areas - as well as what is thought to be the world's first 'interactive' tree trail. An open air venue for funfairs and events.
Buile Hill Park Eccles Old Road Salford M6 8GL Tel: 0161737 6277 Email
Chorlton Water Park
A large lake surrounded by woodland, plenty of footpaths around the lake, a play area for children and picnic tables. The lake offers canoeing, sailing and angling. Wardens are based on site that can give you more information.
Maitland Avenue, Chorlton M21 7WH. Tel: 0161881 5639 Email
Daisy Nook Country Park
85 acres of woodland, riverside meadow, lake and canal, straddling the boundary between Tameside and Oldham. The John Howarth Countryside Centre here provides information, displays and refreshments.
Newmarket Road, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 9JY Tel: 0161308 3909
Fletcher Moss Park
The gardens contain many unusual plants and flowers. The park has retained many of its original features such as the rock and heather gardens, and the orchid houses situated in the Parsonage Gardens
Wilmslow Road, Didsbury M20 Tel: 0161434 1877
Fog Lane Park
Has an area a third of an acre dedicated to the growth of wild flowers. These attract wildlife such as butterflies, dragonflies and a large selection of insects. The park has a variety of trees and shrubs, including Dawn Redwood, Silver Birch, Laburnums.
Fog Lane, Didsbury, Manchester M20 Tel: 0161881 9014
Healey Dell Nature Reserve
The reserve lies between Rochdale and Whitworth. The variety of habitat is reflected in the range of plants, animals and birds which can be seen all year. Paths, including a disused railway line, provide access for all.
Dell Road, Shawclough OL12 6BG Tel: 01706 350459
Hollingworth Lake Country Park and Visitor Centre
Lying at the foot of Blackstone Edge, there are a variety of footpaths and trails exploring the surrounding countryside. A regular programme of guided walks, cycle trips and outdoor activities are organised by Rochdale's Countryside Service with something for all abilities.
Rakewood Road, Littleborough OL15 0AQ Tel: 01706 373421
Moses Gate Country Park
Offers a range of facilities for visitors, including walking trails, picnic areas and bird hide. Permits are available for fishing, model aircraft and boats, canoeing and boating. Part of the Kingfisher Way, an 11 mile trail through the Croal Irwell Valley, goes through Moses Gate.
Rock Hall Visitor Centre Hall Lane, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 7QN Tel: 01204 334343
Pennington Flash Country Park
Open to the public all year round, the "Flash" offers many recreational activities besides walking. Well known for its many species of bird life - over 300 species identified - with bird-hides.
St Helen's Road, Leigh WN7 3PA Tel:01942 605253
Roman Lakes Leisure Park
Set in the Goyt Valley a leisure park that combines water activities (fishing, canoeing, ) with bird watching, a nature trail, mountain biking and rambling in a picturesque setting.
Lakes Road, Marple, Stockport, SK6 7HB Tel: 0161 427 2039
Sale Water Park
Wide range of watersports and walks, nature reserves and woodlands.
Rifle road, Sale, M33 2LX Tel: 0161 905 1100
Trafford Ecology Park
The 11 acre site contains a wide variety of habitats ranging from a lake, 6 ponds, woodland, wetland, species rich grassland and meadows. It is a 'Site of Biological Importance', affording the site greater protection.
Lake Road, Trafford Park M17 4JA 0161 873 7182
Werneth Low Country Park
The park's location provides views across Manchester and beyond to Liverpool. The dark blue silhouette of the Welsh mountains can often be seen on clear days, as can the Pennine hills close by. Recreation facilities available include surfaced footpaths, horse riding routes, picnic areas, view finders, informal gardens.
Lower Higham Visitor Centre Higham Lane, Hyde, SK14 5LR Tel:0161 368 6667 Email
Wet Earth Colliery
The 80-acres include woodland, grassland, ponds, a fishing lake and a visitor's centre. The park houses the industrial remains of the Wet Earth Colliery, one of the first deep mines to be sunk in the Irwell Valley.
Clifton House Road, Clifton, Salford M27 6NG Tel:0161793 4219 Email
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