Made up of ten boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and the cities of Manchester and Salford, Greater Manchester is home to a number of green spaces which you can find more about below...
Greater Manchester is home to nearly 3 million people and encompasses one of the largest metropolitan areas in the UK.
Landlocked, the region spans 493 square miles with the South Pennines to the northeast, the West Pennine Moors in the northwest and the Cheshire Plain fringes to the South.
The Mersey, Irwell and Tame rivers run through Greater Manchester, with many other smaller rivers traversing the region.
As part of our Heritage Trees project we wanted to celebrate, record and protect our local tree heritage - the trees, woodlands, hedgerows and orchards which are part of the fabric of our towns and cities. As part of this we created a unique online interactive database of people's stories, memories and photographs of their local tree heritage - as well as maps showing where to find trees of interest near you. Explore the stories and memories at www.heritagetrees.org.uk
Bolton is home to 27 parks across the region hosting a variety of facilities including recreation and sports areas, woodland walks, nature and cycle trails, cafes and more.
To explore the local parks and open spaces in the Bolton area visit the Bolton Council website.
From woodland walks to windswept moors, wildlife habitats to water sports, Bury’s countryside delivers the very best nature has to offer with an abundance of open spaces and parks for everyone to enjoy.
To explore the local parks and open spaces in the Bury area check out the Visit Bury website.
Manchester City Council looks after a number of parks and open spaces in the area. In 2015 they committed to spending £1.5 million into further improving more than 40 parks.
You can find a list of all parks, and open spaces managed by Manchester City Council on their website.
There’s plenty of opportunity for recreation or relaxation in Oldham’s 28 parks and green spaces, which have been judged to be amongst the best in the country.
Two of the spaces have won a prestigious Green Flag Award, Dunwood Park and Alexandra Park which is also graded II *listing by English Heritage, the first open space in the Borough to win the accolade and one of only 30 in the North West.
To explore the local parks and open spaces in the Oldham area visit the Oldham Council website.
Between the towns and villages which make up Rochdale Borough are vast expanses of open space and breath-taking countryside waiting for you to discover.
To explore the local parks, countryside, nature reserves and open spaces in the Rochdale area visit the Rochdale Council website.
As one of the world’s first industrial cities, Salford is steeped in history and is home to more than 250 listed buildings. It’s also home to over 60 parks and open spaces.
Find out more about them on the Salford City Council website.
Stockport has a huge variety of parks, woodlands and countryside to explore. To find out more about the local parks and open spaces in the Stockport area visit the Stockport Council website.
In 2008, Tameside was awarded 10 Green Flag Awards. They have since secured a further Green Flag with Cheethams Park, Stalybridge now joining the extensive list of local parks and green spaces to be recognised under the national scheme.
For more information about parks in the area visit the Tameside Council website.
Trafford has a rich history and heritage of parks and green space, rooted in the local urban character and providing a stage for a wide range of activities which both reflect and define the local culture.
Trafford was at the forefront of the Victorian parks movement which established the pattern of public green space as we know it today.
Find out more information about parks, and places to visit in the Mersey Valley area as well as check out our free trafford walking guides.
There is so much to see and do in Wigan parks and countryside during the different seasons, including leisurely walks, nature watches, children's events and family fun days.
Over two-thirds of the borough is green space with mile upon mile of trails and pathways, wetlands and flashes. You can discover your local green space with over 22 ancient woodlands and 17 parks.
Find out more on the Wigan Council website.
Find out about the Mersey Valley area.
