Oldham beauty spot Medlock Valley receives £1.2m cash boost

The Medlock Valley, which stands between Ashton and Oldham, is a haven for local flora and fauna with numerous ponds and the River Medlock running through its heart.

Historically, it was rich in habitats, but more species could be introduced as a result of Oldham Council announcing that more than £1million would be spent on new projects at the site.

Medlock Valley set to be transformed through £1.2m cash boost (Image: Oldham Council)

This will include planting around 5,000 trees, restoring the riverbank and managing woodland, among other initiatives.

The £1.2million ‘Species Survival Fund’ will cover 30 hectares, and the focus will be on enhancing habitats at seven sites in the area, with plans to halt the decline in species numbers.

It will also see restoration work across the Aston and Rochdale canal network, as well as grassland and wetland creation.

The work means that the valley will become home to species including water voles, waxcap mushrooms and the great crested newt.

The project will create six new jobs.

Great crested newt (Image: PA/Alamy)

Cllr Chris Goodwin, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “This funding is great news for Oldham.

“It will help boost the natural environment and wildlife numbers, and it’s further evidence of our work to become the greenest borough in Greater Manchester while creating employment opportunities for local residents.”

Ginny Hinton, of Natural England, said: “We are really proud to support the species survival project in the Medlock Valley. It will be a flagship project for how we can bring nature back to urban environments.”

The project will be delivered alongside Groundwork Greater Manchester, TCV, Canal and Rivers Trust, City of Trees and Mersey Rivers Trust, in partnership with Manchester City Council and Tameside Council.

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