Nestled inside the M60 and squeezed between two train lines lies the biggest inner-city park in Manchester. Tranquil lakes, woodland walks and wildlife isn’t what you’d expect to find within a sprawling metropolis, yet it’s what you’ll discover if you visit Debdale Park.
Made up of grassy spaces, gardens and woodland the park offers visitors a rural escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a haven for wildlife and different varieties of birds - woodpeckers, parakeets and owls have all been spotted here.
On the edge of the park is the Debdale Nature Centre, which is run by volunteers and even has a live YouTube feed of its bird table. It also provides a hub for the local community, and offering activities such as nature walks and an allotment.
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Originally the land was used to create two water reservoirs in the 1820s to supply the local area. Manchester city council bought the land in the 1850s then after WWI the land was converted for use as a public park. In 1963 the reservoirs ceased to supply water to the area.
Today the two ‘lakes’ are used for fishing and watersports including dinghy sailing, kayaking, canoeing and more. Or you can walk along the paths around the reservoirs which provide calming views across the water.
As well as watersports, Debdale Park is home to a kids’ play area, a skate park, free tennis courts, a football pitch and a bowling green. The park is also the eastern starting point of the Fallowfield loop cycle track.
A short walk from the park is the Donkey Sanctuary, which is open on Saturdays and on the first Sunday of the month. Debdale Park is included in the Gorton Heritage Trail, which runs for approximately two miles and features various historical and natural points of interest.
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