As spring has now sprung and we are graced with lighter evenings, you may be looking for new beauty spots to watch the sun go down. There is a 'secret' lake just outside of Stockport in Levenshulme, that locals flock to so they can unwind from the day.
It's named The Secret Lake - and while it's not really a secret, it's a bit of an adventure to find it. The stretch of water is located behind a rubbish tip and a large industrial estate.
As you walk through the surrounding trees, it appears out of nowhere, and you are bound to be taken aback by its surprising charm.
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The lake has been rediscovered in recent times, particularly during the lockdowns, and the local community has come together to clean up the area - creating its own Facebook page. They have introduced bins and signs to encourage the picking up of litter.
Bordering Reddish, it's situated on Nelstrop Road, with access either from the Fallowfield Loop, or from a footpath on Sandfold Lane, though the Fallowfield Loop approach is the more scenic of the two. Swimming is not advised here - it's a fishing spot and there may be hidden debris beneath the surface - but you'll spot a few hardy wild swimming fans bobbing around all year round anyway.
It's a haven for local wildlife too, including the bright green parakeets often spotted around south Manchester. Last month, one bird watcher told the Facebook group they saw two beautiful great crested grebes on the lake.
Others have reported seeing voles, kingfishers, swans, and all manner of wildflowers growing around the banks of the water. The online social media page offers a space where locals can share stunning photographs of the waterhole and comment on their findings there.
Thanks to the efforts of the local people, some visitors have commented on how different it looks from a year ago. With a collection of photos, Robin Wright, a member of the Facebook page, posted a few weeks ago: "Photos from a visit to the Lake this afternoon and an opportunity to say thankyou to the lake users and the "secret litterpickers" who are keeping the banks clear. Such a difference from a year ago!!"
The lake has been popular with locals for generations, but in recent years it has seen a revival. The post-industrial lake was historically used by nearby factories to cool machinery, but has since become a real urban oasis.
Have you been? Let us know in the comments.
