Milnrow Memorial Gardens
Newhey Road
Milnrow
Opening
hours
24 hours – 7 days a week
Park warden: 07976059534
Facilities
The key features include:
- War Memorial
- LEAP Standard play
- Mini cycle track for toddlers
- Mini assault course
- Crown bowling green
- Multi-use games area
- The Milnrow Giant Sculpture
- Woodland walk
- Landscaped gardens
- Network of Footpaths
- Bowls Pavilion
- Car Park
- Teenage Play Area
History
The landscape of the Memorial Gardens has
remained relatively unchanged since it’s opening in 1952. The
gardens were already in existence as the grounds of Cliffe House.
With the demolition of the Cliffe House buildings and subsequent
relocation of the War Memorial (to Dale Street) the original design
and integrity was enhanced by the placing of the Memorial on the
footprint of Cliffe House foundations.
The circular road and pathway have been
retained and the slope to the lawns below is as originally laid
out. Part of the original grounds (0.8 of an acre) were lost when
the M62 Motorway was constructed. This remodelling of the park
required the diversion of a bridleway, which still passes through
the park on the footpaths adjacent to the motorway boundary.
This same footpath is also part of the Beal
Valley Way - a footpath network constructed by The Groundwork Trust
in 2002 linking railway the railway network. It is also a
walking initiative linked with GMPTE (Greater Manchester Passenger
Transport Executive).
The remainder of the park (4.9 acres) was
purchased in 1961 from Mr Vernon Smith Whitworth, who was the
last occupier and had inherited the estate of the former owner
Mr Emanuel Clegg.
The purchase price was £300 and the
stipulation was that the land was to be used as public pleasure and
recreation grounds.
Wildlife Flora and Fauna
The Memorial Park attracts a wide variety of
wildlife both birds insects and small mammals.
This is enhanced by the woodland, which acts
as a wildlife oasis with its mature trees providing natural homes
for birds and mammals. Nesting and roosting sites are being further
enhanced by the inclusion of bird and bat bxes.
Nesting birds recorded in recent years
include: carrion crows, magpies, wood pigeons, blackbirds, mistle
thrush, song thrush, robins, wagtails, tree creepers, nuthatchs,
starlings, bluetits and members of the finch family.
Close proximity to open farmland to the rear
of the Park attracts numerous animals and birds. Mammals including
badgers, foxes, rabbits, hares, weasels, stoats, gedgehogs, grey
squirrels, mice and voles are regularly seen and bats can be seen
feeding in the tree canopy during early evening.
Friends of Milnrow Memorial Park
If you would like to become a volunteer member
of Friends of Milnrow Memorial Park or for further information,
please call the park warden on 07976 059550.