About Broadhurst Park, Clough and Playing Fields

Broadhurst Park Moston Manchester M40 OFJ

Broadhurst Park has six distinct areas.

    • At the north eastern end, bounded by Lightbowne Road, Nuthurst Road and St Marys Road, is the  formally laid out  Broadhurst Park, with  sunken gardens, childrens’ playground, bowling green,  basketball and tennis courts.

    • The middle sections are in  the wetland and Broadhurst Clough area which has been declared a Local Nature Reserve.  by Manchester City Council in recognition of the fact that wetland habitats are becoming increasingly rare.  Broadhurst Clough and wetland are part of the Irk Valley Corridor which runs from the city centre to Heaton Park. Between 2004 and 2010 access paths and drainage work was carried out to enhance the existing wetland.

      image of pondThe wetland is home to a variety of plants and has two ponds: the smaller pond providing cover for common frogs and toads while the larger pond attracts dragonflies. Because of the ponds there is an abundance of insects and flies on the wetland and this makes it an ideal foraging area for bats. listen to a recording of local bats

    • The southern end of the wetland opens out into Broadhurst Clough with its two large areas of grassland, a variety of wild flowers and trees, several of which are fruit trees.
    • The Dean Brook flows through the lowest part of Broadhurst Clough and growing on its banks are shade-loving plants like ferns, Bistort and Snakeshead Fritillaries.
    •  

cardamine
celandine
fern
fritillary
water avens
dames violet
marsh marigold
yellow flag iris
French cranesbill
red campion

[Show slideshow]

Broadhurst Clough image

Board Walk, Broadhurst Clough photo Celia Cropper

  • The last section is that running behind the Alexian Brothers Nursing Home on St Marys Road. This part is also shady and damp and has a small pond and a stream. Self-heal, Enchanters Nightshade, Marsh Marigolds, Coltsfoot, Forget-me-nots, and Lesser Celandine are just a few of the wildflowers which can be found here, as well as fungi.
Broadhurst Playing Field image

Broadhurst Playing Field photo Celia Cropper

    • Situated between Lightbowne Road and Moston Lane are the Broadhurst Playing Fields which cover an area of approximately 35 acres. These fields are used by several football teams and have an access road, a car park and changing rooms (off Moston Lane).

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