Quarry Bank flood recovery

The River Bollin sits at the heart of Quarry Bank, powering the wheel of the mill that played an integral part in the Manchester Industrial Revolution and running through the gardens and wider estate

Unfortunately, heavy rain caused the river to breach its banks in the woodlands and Mill Meadow, leading to some major erosion. Sadly, the force of the floodwater also caused a landslide in the gardens.

How bad was the damage?

We've suffered some serious erosion to riverbanks throughout the woodland and Mill Meadow, caused by the breach of the Bollin. A major landslide in the gardens has destroyed much of the lower path network and left a further area unsafe to access due to increased instability. Many more paths across the site have suffered damage and our Pre-loved bookshop was saturated by floodwater. 

Partial closures are in place as many of these areas are currently not safe for visitors to access. We anticipate that these restrictions will be in place for some time as we assess the full extent of the damage. Sadly, a small number of properties have also been impacted in Styal village. We’re working with our tenants to support repairs.

How much will it cost to repair?

It's currently too early to say. We need to carry out major survey work to assess the situation fully. We will need to repair paths across the estate and create a full plan of works for the garden.

A Bollin Riverlands project is already underway carrying out work that aims to slow the flow of water in the river to reduce the impact that extreme weather can have near waterways in Cheshire. While this will take time, small interventions such as creating ponds and installing leaky dams in the river will have a long-term benefit to places like Quarry Bank, our neighbouring communities and the wider landscape.

Latest update

Over the coming months, we will be carrying out a major restoration project to stabilise the slope, improve drainage and rebuild the historic pathways, walls and railings that were lost. These works will help protect the gardens from future extreme weather events and safeguard this important historic landscape for generations to come. 

The gardens at Quarry Bank are a rare and significant example of the Industrial Picturesque landscape created by the Greg family and enjoyed by visitors today. This project will help restore the garden's historic character while improving access throughout the site. When complete, visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids and pushchairs will once again be able to follow a continuous route between the upper and lower gardens. 

The scheme will also create opportunities for new planting and habitat improvements, benefiting wildlife including bees, butterflies, birds and small mammals. 
Thank you for your patience while we carry out these essential conservation and restoration works. The paths are expected to reopen in 2027.
 

Donate today

As a conservation charity we look after nature, beauty and history for everyone to enjoy. Please consider donating to our work at Quarry Bank. Your donation will help support the flood recovery and allow more people to visit this special place in the future.