Oldham Countryside Service (OCS) was formed in 1995. Its head office is based at Strinesdale but altogether it has four main countryside centres in the borough with various other sites managed from each centre. The four countryside centres are:
Formerly the old water treatment works building, it is now the head office of OCS. Within the building are offices and a classroom used for environmental education. Outdoors, there are public toilets, picnic tables and wildflower gardens. Adjacent to the centre is a 36 space car park and an information point.
The OCS Voluntary Rangers are also based here, helping with most aspects of the Rangers work across the Borough.
Contact Details
The Strinesdale Centre,
The Old Waterworks,
Holgate Street,
Waterhead,
Oldham,
OL4 2JW.
Tel: 0161 620 8202
e-mail: env.rangers@oldham.gov.uk
Surrounded by dramatic Pennine scenery, Brownhill Countryside Centre is situated in the heart of Saddleworth between Dobcross and Uppermill. The picnic area and nature garden have been developed to give 'access for all' and offer local opportunities for visitors. Information for those wishing to go further afield can be found in the centre. Exhibitions and live exhibits are among other attractions which can be enjoyed free of charge in the centre. There are also toilets with access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Opening hours
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11am - 4pm
Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays: 10.30am - 5pm in summer; 10.30am - 4pm in winter.
Contact Details
Brownhill Countryside Centre
Wool Road
Dobcross
Oldham
OL3 5PB
Tel: 01457 872598
e-mail: env.brownhill@oldham.gov.uk
At the John Howarth Countryside centre there are activities for children and a souvenir shop. There is also a café, which opens daily, and toilets with access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Contact Details
John Howarth Countryside Centre
Daisy Nook Country Park
Off Stannybrook Road
Failsworth
Manchester
M35 9WJ
Tel: 0161 308 3909
e-mail: env.daisy.nook@oldham.gov.uk
Tandle Hill was formerly designated a Country Park in 1971 and the countryside centre was opened in April 1994. In the centre you can find leaflets, information and changing displays on the local area, countryside and wildlife. There are public toilets, including a toilet that is wheelchair accessible, and a café open on Sundays, bank holidays and school holidays. The children's play area in front of the centre is very popular all year round.
Contact Details
Tandle Hill Countryside Centre
Tandle Hill Country Park
Tandle Hill Road
Royton
Oldham
OL2 5UX
Tel: 0161 627 2608
e-mail: env.tandlehill@oldham.gov.uk
Every year Oldham Countryside Service produces a programme of events which lists details of guided walks, craft activities and conservation tasks across the borough. You can download the latest autumn and winter countryside events programme (PDF 1091Kb) now. Most walks and events are free. For further information on Oldham's countryside please contact the Countryside Service on 0161 620 8202 or by email at env.rangers@oldham.gov.uk.