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River Bollin Riverlands project
As part of a national programme to improve the health of rivers across England and Wales, we've launched the River Bollin Riverlands project. The project will include Dunham Massey, Lyme, Quarry Bank, Alderley Edge and Hare Hill.
Where is the River Bollin?
The River Bollin and its catchment meander through Cheshire and the southern fringes of Manchester, flowing by many places along the way, including Quarry Bank, Dunham Massey, Alderley Edge, Hare Hill and Lyme. The largely rural and agricultural nature of the catchment gives way to the city of Greater Manchester to the north.
What is the Riverlands project?
The River Bollin is part of our national Riverlands Programme which has the following three key aims:
- Rivers and catchments that are healthy, clean and rich in wildlife.
- Rivers and catchments that are easily accessed, valued and loved for their heritage and beauty.
- Sustainable long-term care for rivers and catchments.
We’ll also be working with local communities to help them rediscover and reconnect with their rivers – as spaces for leisure and activity, to socialise, or simply take a walk beside the water and clear their minds.
A new investment of almost £1m from the Government's Species Survival Fund will support these projects, protect fragile ecosystems and create nature-rich landscapes. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
Riverlands Bollin is a part of the Freshwater Community Grant Fund. This fund supports community initiatives to restore freshwater habitats in England. In partnership with Defra's Species Survival Fund, the scheme aims to award a total of £75,000 to local initiatives. Applications are now open for community groups to submit bids for this funding. You can find out more about the Freshwater Community Grant Fund by clicking here.
Latest updates
You can find out the latest activity taking place by clicking the links below:
- Dunham Massey
- Nestled between the vibrant city of Manchester and the beginnings of rural Cheshire, Dunham Massey includes a 300-acre deer park, a historic house and buildings, and all-season gardens. To improve riverland habitat here we are restoring eight ponds, building eight new ponds and surveying peat.Find out more
- Hare Hill
- A picturesque informal garden nestled in the sweeping Macclesfield countryside. To improve riverland habitat here we are restoring the historic watercourse.Find out more
- Alderley Edge
- The dramatic red sandstone slope of Alderley Edge holds views over the Cheshire Plain to the Peak District. To improve riverland habitat here we are restoring 19 ponds.Find out more
- Quarry Bank
- The river Bollin sits at the heart of Quarry Bank, turning the wheel of the mill that played an integral part in the Manchester Industrial Revolution. To improve riverland habitat here we are restoring 11 ponds, creating one new pond, improving 1,300m of the Bollin and restoring around 1,400m of tributaries to the watercourse.Find out more
- Lyme
- A 1,400 acre estate nestled on the edge of the Peak District with a medieval herd of red deer offering fantastic walks and stunning views. To improve riverland habitat here we are de culverting up to 2km of moorland, installing around 90 leaky dams and removing a landslip.Find out more
Riverlands Bollin is a part of the Freshwater Community Grant Fund. This fund supports community initiatives to restore freshwater habitats in England. In partnership with Defra's Species Survival Fund, the scheme aims to award a total of £75,000 to local initiatives. Applications are now open for community groups to submit bids for this funding. You can find out more about the Freshwater Community Grant Fund by clicking here.
Glossary of key terms
Our partners
Environmental Agency is a public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, working to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.
Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. They help to protect and restore our natural world.
A short-term programme to create and restore habitats and reverse the decline of species across England, delivered on behalf of Defra.
Supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.
The Mersey Rivers Trust is a charity working in partnership with all those interested in improving our local rivers and waterways.
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Countryside and woodland in Cheshire and Greater Manchester
From deer parks and grand estates to the rolling countryside and woodland, there is plenty of space for you to stretch your legs amongst autumn colour at National Trust places in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
Area
Cheshire and Greater Manchester
Discover Greater Manchester's heritage, through grand houses, deer parks, gardens, and cotton mills and enjoy the beautiful Cheshire countryside.
Place
Dunham Massey
A garden for all seasons, an ancient deer park and a house filled with treasures and stories.
Place
Quarry Bank
One of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, set in picturesque gardens and countryside
Place
Hare Hill
A tranquil wooded garden, surrounded by historic parkland, with a delightful walled garden at its heart.
Place
Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside
Dramatic red sandstone escarpment, with impressive views