Trafford has a rich heritage of parks and greenspace rooted in the local urban character.
The borough supports 30 municipal parks and a diverse range of historic open spaces and visitor attractions such as Sale Water Park, Longford Park and Dunham Massey.
The Trans Pennine Trail and Bridgewater Canal pass through the borough’s heart, linking local communities and visitors to the Mersey Valley and beyond.
More than 200 hectares of countryside around the Mersey Valley are looked after by the Trafford Countryside Management Partnership. The partnership is led by City of Trees and Trafford Council who work with range of organisations, including The Conservation Volunteers and the Environment Agency to change the way we manage the boroughs countryside.
Together we are improving access for people and taking steps to enhance biodiversity for wildlife.
Explore areas in the Mersey Valley below.
Sale Water Park is a hub for outdoor activities and offers a range of opportunities for walking, wildlife watching, sport and practical conservation. It is connected to other beautiful areas of countryside via the Trans Pennine Trail and the River Mersey, including Priory Gardens.
History
The lake was excavated during the 1970s to create a gravel embankment for the M60 motorway. Broad Ees Dole, located in the northeast of Sale Water Park is Trafford’s first Local Nature Reserve. The wetland area provides a mosaic of habitats for resident and visiting birds, including herons, kingfishers, little grebe and many other species.
Things to do
Transport: Metrolink: Sale Water Park
Social Media: Facebook: Friends of Sale Water Park; Twitter: @salewaterpark #salewaterpark
Access & facilities: Sale Water Park via Rifle Road, M33 2LX. Priory Gardens via Dane Road, M33 2BY. The lakeside path at Sale Water Park provides suitable access for wheelchairs, cyclists and pushchairs. Toilets on site.
Urmston Meadows is located on the southern fringes of Urmston close to the River Mersey. The meadow pastures, woodland paths, pond and ditches provide ideal habitat for wildlife and a peaceful place for visitors to unwind. Old Ees Brook offers spectacular views of the River Mersey as it meanders through the valley and is easily reached via a footpath located between Urmston Meadows and Eesbrook.
Things to do
Transport: Bus: No. 276 or 278 to Church Road / Roabuck Hotel
Social Media: Facebook: Urmston Meadows Action Group
Access: Urmston Meadows via Riverside Drive, M41 9FL or Cedar Drive, M41 9HY. Old Ees Brook and Cob Kiln via Eesbrook, M41 9JA. The surfaced path at Urmston Meadows provides suitable access for wheelchairs, cyclists and pushchairs
The central Mersey Valley refers to an area of greenspace occupied by Stretford Meadows, Banky Meadows and Kickety Brook. Stretford Meadows supports an interesting array of wildflowers, including orchids, and is becoming increasingly popular with dog walkers and bird enthusiasts.
Banky Meadows and Kickety Brook are located to the south of Stretford Meadows and are regularly used by horse riders. The entire area is well connected to the Trans Pennine Trail with links to Urmston and Sale Water Park.
Things to do
Access: Stretford Meadows via Lesley Road, M32 9EE or Trans Pennine Trail. Banky Meadows and Kickety Brook via Bradley Lane, M32 8RF or Trans Pennine Trail. Limited access for wheelchairs, cyclists and pushchairs
Wellacre Country Park is made up for three distinct areas; Green Hill, De Brook Court and Jack Lane Nature Reserve. Together the site offers panoramic views of the Mersey Valley and extensive grassland and wetland habitat for local wildlife. The area is especially popular with dog walkers and anglers.
Things to do:
Access: Wellacre Country Park via Ambleside Drive, M41 6PL, Stott Drive, M41 6WA or Carrington Road, M41 6HX. Limited access for wheelchairs, cyclists and pushchairs
How to report a problem: You can report fly-tipping to Trafford Council and One Trafford by telephoning 0333 003 5865 or emailing traffordwastemanagement@amey.co.uk. Other matters related to parks and open spaces should be addressed to access.trafford@trafford.gov.uk.
