New £60,000 garden taking shape at popular Greater Manchester beauty spot

A new garden which is being created at a Greater Manchester beauty spot is taking shape. The garden at Hollingworth Lake Country Park in Rochdale will be 'accessible to all the senses'.

The new garden promises to deliver a diverse and balanced sensory experience for all who visit it. It will open adjacent to the new cafe and the visitors centre at the country park.

A woodland walk and wide stone pathways made from non-slip materials will allow access for wheelchair users, and raised flower beds will provide easy access for all ages and abilities. Plants and wind chimes will create sounds and movement, plus touchable elements such as sculptures, willow structures, and an orchard will be just some of the highlights.

Councillor Liam O’Rourke, the council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “This garden will introduce a significant new facility for our borough and allow rangers to develop community engagement activities, including wildlife and therapeutic gardening sessions, alongside volunteer sessions, where we hope to recruit more members to our Green Volunteer scheme.

“On top of many health benefits, the planned sights, sounds, and scents will offer a tranquil environment, providing a retreat away from the demands of daily life, and I cannot wait to see this inclusive area used to bring people together to connect, learn, and appreciate nature, in the most beautiful of spaces.”

David Keegan added: "I'm so happy that DK Garden Design could create the plan for the new sensory garden. The layout has taken careful planning to make the garden accessible to all, focusing on delighting the senses along the way, which will evolve. There are still many exciting features to come, and I look forward to my continued connection, seeing the plan come alive for all to enjoy."