If you're looking for a tranquil woodland escape just north of Manchester, Alkrington Woods Local Nature Reserve in Middleton offers over 120 acres of mature woodland, riverside paths, meadows, fishing lodges and outstanding wildlife — all free to explore at any time of year. 

Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve | Nature Reserves in Rochdale

What to expect at Alkrington Woods

• Over 120 acres of mature woodland, meadows and open grassland
• River Irk riverside paths and public footpaths connecting Middleton, Blackley and Rhodes
• Five fishing lodges and Sandy Lake, home to swans, geese, ducks and great crested grebes
• Wince Brook and Boardman Brook waterways
• 25 entrances and miles of internal paths across varied natural habitats
• Outstanding birdlife — over 80 species recorded on site
• Woodland wildlife including kingfishers, kingfishers, tawny owls, sparrowhawks, buzzards and nuthatches
• Wildflower meadows with orchids, butterflies and moths
• Elves and fairies trail — a woodland discovery feature for children
• Community orchard and wild garden maintained by the Friends group
• Interpretation boards installed throughout the reserve
• Free car park on Manchester Old Road (locked at 4pm daily)
• Managed by Rochdale Borough Council with active Friends group and Green Volunteers

Alkrington Woods in Middleton

Alkrington Woods Local Nature Reserve is a 120-acre semi-natural green space situated just six miles north of Manchester city centre, nestled between Middleton town centre and the residential areas of Alkrington, Higher Blackley and Rhodes. Declared a Local Nature Reserve by Rochdale Borough Council in 1987, the reserve was once part of the historic Alkrington Hall estate — the early 18th-century listed private residence that still stands on the eastern boundary of the site, overlooking the reclaimed post-industrial River Irk valley. The reserve is maintained by a Rochdale Borough Council Ranger and Green Volunteers, and has been actively supported by the Friends of Alkrington Woods since 1997.

Waterways and wildlife

The River Irk flows along the lower reaches of the reserve, fed by Wince Brook near Middleton town centre and Boardman Brook at the border with Blackley. Five fishing lodges and Sandy Lake at Rhodes are well populated with mute swans, Canada geese, mallards, tufted ducks, moorhens, coots, great crested grebes and grey herons. Kingfishers and cormorants are occasionally seen fishing the river, and the woodlands support an exceptionally rich variety of birdlife — over 80 species have been recorded on site, including greater spotted woodpeckers, treecreepers, goldcrests, tawny owls, sparrowhawks, buzzards, nuthatches and ring-necked parakeets. Wildflower meadows in the old tip grassland area attract a wide range of butterflies and moths throughout the summer months, including orchids, orange tips, peacocks and five-spot burnet moths.

Paths and walking routes

The reserve has a 3.5-mile perimeter, 25 entrances and miles of internal paths criss-crossing its varied habitats. Three public footpaths run through the site. The River Irk public footpath begins at Middleton town centre opposite the bus station and continues through the reserve towards Heaton Park and Blackley Forest. The Boardman Public Footpath links Alkrington, Blackley and Rhodes. A Walking Trail Guide and Map produced by the Friends group is available from local libraries and health centres. Note that some riverside paths can be eroded by floods — waterproof footwear is recommended.

Friends of Alkrington Woods

The Friends of Alkrington Woods, formed in 1997, work in conjunction with Middleton Township and Rochdale Borough Council to protect and improve the reserve. Activities include guided nature and heritage walks, litter picking, invasive species control, maintaining the community orchard and town centre gateway, and organising community events. The group has received RHS 'It's Your Neighbourhood' distinction awards in 2022 and 2023. New members and volunteers are warmly welcomed — contact the group at cliffivers@gmail.com.

Important information

• Opening times: Open at all times (pedestrian access). Free car park on Manchester Old Road locked daily at 4pm
• Address: Alkrington Woods, Manchester Old Road (A576), Rhodes, Middleton, M24 4EA (car park entrance opposite Kings Drive)
• Admission: Free
• Parking: Free car park on Manchester Old Road (A576), Rhodes — less than one mile from M60 Junction 19 (Heaton Park roundabout). Car park locked at 4pm daily. 
• Transport: Well served by public transport along Manchester Old Road and Manchester New Road. Middleton Bus Station is approximately 100m from the Middleton Way entrance — bus services 115, 116 and 125 all pass the reserve. 
• Dogs: Welcome — popular dog walking destination. Leads recommended near wildlife and waterways

Find out more: http://alkringtonwoods.org | cliffivers@gmail.com

Photo credit: http://alkringtonwoods.org