Mersey Valley to have first new National River Walk to boost access to Manchester’s great outdoors

The Mersey Valley Way will be the first new National River Walk – improving access to Manchester’s great outdoors.

As the first of nine new National River Walks, this new funding will improve access to the walks and nature the Mersey Valley is renowned for.  

The project will involve nature recovery and new signage and information along the route as well as public engagement to promote the river walk and encourage new visitors – helping more people to take advantage of the health and wellbeing benefits of visiting and walking in the natural environment. 

The popular walk passes through: 

• Merseybank Fields 

• Parkway Playing Fields 

• Kenworthy Woods Local Nature Reserve 

• Chorlton Ees Local Nature Reserve 

• Hardy Farm 

• Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens 

These areas will benefit from fen, wet grassland, pond and woodland management and restoration to conserve and enhance the diverse flora and fauna.  

Willow Tit habitats will be improved. These endangered, nest-excavating birds make their homes in the soft wood of rotting trees found in wetland. Numbers of these tiny brown and buff-grey birds, with black caps and bibs, have declined significantly in the UK. They’re a Red List species on the UK Birds of Conservation Concern list.  

The full-length of the 21km walk will run along the River Mersey through Stockport, Manchester and Trafford – helping to connect our green spaces and city region.  

The Government funding of just over £1million from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was secured by our partners at the Mersey Rivers Trust. And supports the ambition set out in Manchester’s river valley strategy, Our Rivers Our City. 

Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport said: 

“This funding will make a big improvement to access to the River Mersey, and the nature that surrounds it, for our residents. 

“Improved signage and renewed paths will make it easier for everyone to explore the nature on our doorstep. 

“The new National River Walk status also brings funding to protect wetland species and habitats. An important aspect of our work to support biodiversity in the city. 

“Being in nature is good for our health and wellbeing and we want to ensure that it’s something all of our communities can enjoy.”