Blackleach Country Park

Blackleach Country Park is a country park in Walkden covering roughly 60 hectares of mixed habitats. The site features a central lake surrounded by woodland, wetland areas, and open grassland that support diverse wildlife.

The site began as an industrial area with chemical and dye production facilities operating for many decades. It was cleaned up and restored to create a natural reserve in the latter part of the 1900s.

Local people visit to watch birds and connect with nature in a space that feels removed from the town. The different habitats make it easy to spot wildlife in each area.

Several walking trails run through the park with different access points and parking available near the main entrance. Public transit stops are located close to where most people enter the site.

During its industrial past, a waste heap called Stink Bomb Hill released purple dye when wet, turning nearby soil and surfaces that color. Local residents even found their laundry stained by chemicals leaking from the ground.

GPS coordinates: 53.53300,-2.39500

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42