Walks, Woodlands and Wildlife
Moston Brook valley is a green corridor which links Failsworth and Moston. It’s a haven for wildlife and a green oasis in the city.
The Brook has four large areas of green space:
- Wrigley Head which links to the Rochdale Canal at the Failsworth /New Moston boundary. It has lots of circular short walks and is good for wildlife spotting
- Hardman Fold with meadows, woodland and a waterside walk
- Broadway incorporating Lower Failsworth Memorial Land. This is adjacent to Lower Memorial Park. Part of this land was purchased by public subscription after the First World War as open space for the residents of Failsworth. This is the site on which we plan to hold our annual Moston Brook Fun Day and other outdoor events
- Moston Fairway is a Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. It is a remarkable piece of marsh in an urban area. It produces colourful (and colourfully named) plants including marsh ragwort, sneezewort and lady’s smock. Heather and orchids grow on the site, and white and yellow sedge, specimens which are rare in the county.
- Map of Moston Brook - PDF
- Where to Walk - Cycle and Stride Map
The Moston Brook Project, supported by Manchester City and Oldham Councils is working with local communities to transform the Brook into a clean, green space for people to enjoy nature on their doorstep.
For further info please contact Ann Bates, Moston Brook Project Officer, ann.bates@oldham.gov.uk or t. 07801 204 804.
Local residents have set up a Moston Brook Friends Group. The group meets up every second Wednesday of the month, 7pm at the New Moston Club, M40 3RQ.
Everyone is welcome. You can keep up to date with news via the Friends group’s Facebook page.
We are planning access improvements, events, volunteering sessions, guided walks and nature activities.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Moston Brook Friends Group or would like any information about the site or our events please contact Ann Bates or email the group at mostonbrookfriends@gmail.com
Getting here
By bus
Frequent bus services operate along both the A62 and A633.
On the A62, Saddleworth/Oldham to Manchester buses run every 10 minutes (services include 82, 83, 180, and 184).
On the A633, Rochdale to Manchester buses run every 15-30 minutes (services include 181, 182, 24, and 72).
By bike
Easy, flat cycling to Moston Brook can be found on the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 66, which runs through the area along the Rochdale Canal towpath.
On foot
There are lots of ways into Moston Brook Green Corridor on foot, and the Rochdale Canal offers an attractive pedestrian link with Failsworth Town Centre.
The Green Corridor can also be reached by following some of the borough’s long distance paths, such as the Oldham Way.
By car
Moston Brook is also easy to get to by car, as it is only 5 minutes drive from Junctions 21 and 22 of the M60.