The Old Waterworks, Holgate Street, Waterhead, Oldham. OL4 2JJ.
Telephone 0161 620 8202

Strinesdale is a 20 hectare (50 acre) oasis of countryside on the fringe of Oldham's town centre. Here you will find a surprising array of habitats for wildlife and facilities for people to enjoy.

In 1992 the two drinking water reservoirs were de-commissioned providing a great opportunity to re-landscape the site. In place of the reservoirs are two smaller lakes, numerous ponds, community woodland, meadows and a range of recreational facilities. Strinesdale is owned by North West Water who provide a Ranger to manage the site with the support of Oldham Council's Countryside Service.

The ongoing work at Strinesdale is funded by North West Water, Oldham M.B.C. and the Countryside Commission who work closely together to improve the area for visitors and wildlife alike.

Wildlife

Strinesdale's woodlands vary in age with chirping garden birds in the young trees to woodpeckers hammering on a dead tree in mature woodland.

The grasslands support small mammals such as field mice and voles and are favourite hunting grounds of kestrels and foxes. A wildflower meadow provides a splash of colour in the summer attracting butterflies and insects whilst the two lakes, ponds and marshy areas make Strinesdale a great place to watch wildfowl and waders all year round.

The fenced wildlife area provides sanctuary for ground nesting birds to feed, lay their eggs and raise their chicks. To help this, public access into the wildlife area is restricted at all times.

History

Strinesdale gets its name from the Old English word "strine" or boundary, as the old Lancashire/Yorkshire boundary runs through the middle of the site.

Upper Strinesdale Reservoir was the first to be built in Oldham in 1826, followed by the construction of the lower Strinesdale in 1853.

As the population of Oldham grew due to the boom of the cotton industry, demand outstripped supply and further reservoirs were built in the Oldham area between 1870 and 1890 to provide water for treatment at Strinesdale. These included the reservoirs built at Castleshaw and Denshaw in the 1880's which still supply water to Strinesdale today.

The easy access path around lower Strinesdale provides a level, well surfaced route suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. This path is also the basis for Trailo, an orienteering course accessible to everyone. You will also find picnic areas and open spaces in which to relax and enjoy this scenic area.

There is free access on foot across the whole site apart from the fenced wildlife area. This makes Strinesdale an excellent place to go for a stroll, walk the dog or just enjoy the outdoors. A network of bridle-paths marked by blue arrows caters for horse riding, cycling and people on foot.

The Medlock Valley Way which runs through Strinesdale is a 12 mile linear route following the River Medlock from Bishop Park - 1mile north of Strinesdale - to Manchester city centre. It is way marked by green arrows with yellow dots.

Oldham Countryside Service also runs a comprehensive programme of events at Strinesdale as well as catering to requests from groups and schools who wish to use the site.

Strinesdale Centre

Formerly the old water treatment works building, it is now the head office of Oldham Countryside Service and base for the North West Water Ranger.

Within the building are offices and a classroom used for environmental education.

In front of the building there are public toilets, picnic tables, wildflower gardens, a 36 space car park and an information point.

The Countryside Service volunteers are also based here, helping with most aspects of the Rangers work across the Borough.

How To Find Us

By Car - Strinesdale is signposted off the A62 Huddersfield Road at Waterhead.

On Foot - there are many public footpaths which lead from north, south, east and west approaches.

By horse and bicycle - access can be gained from Waterworks Road, Holgate Street, Green Lane and Top O'th' Meadows

By Bus - the No.82 bus terminates at Waterhead with a frequent service from Manchester and Oldham. Other services include routes 182, 343 and 355. For other bus times please phone G.M.P.T.E on 0161 228 7811

Trains - the nearest station is located at Oldham Mumps where connections can be made to regular bus service.