Springwater Park covers an area of the valley slope on the southern side of the River Irwell between Whitefield and Radcliffe, across from the flood plain on the opposite bank. Here the River Irwell also merges with the River Roch.
Springwater Park was declared as a Local Nature Reserve on 7 September 2023.
- Main entrance: Springwater Lane (off Lily Hill Street), Whitefield, M45 7UW
- Grid reference: SD79967 06876 (public car park)
- Find on Google maps
The Spring Water Print Works was established here in 1827 and this was soon followed by the Blackford Bridge Print Works and Spring Clough Bleach Works, all within the modern boundary of the park.
Over time the emphasis on printing cloth changed to cloth finishing. As late as 1957 on an ordnance survey map, the cluster of buildings appears as Springwater Bleach Works. By 1965 they were just described as 'works' and in the 1970s they were demolished, with the main areas being landscaped to create the park.
The park has an assortment of habitats including mixed woodland, grassland, streams, ponds and rivers. These are home to many various types of wildlife including deer, foxes, rabbits, birds of prey and fish in the river.
Love Springwater Park
Love Springwater Park is a volunteer group supported by Bury Council to help maintain and improve Springwater Park. Love Springwater Park organises and runs occasional activities such as nature walks or treasure hunts. Love Springwater Park is a public group that is open to all.
- Facebook - Love Springwater Park
If you notice damage in the park, please report this to us by calling customer services 0161 253 5353.