River Irk
The River Irk is one of five main rivers within Oldham Borough. It originates east of Royton, Oldham then flows to the west of Chadderton, where it passes under the Rochdale Canal, through Middleton before merging with the River Irwell in Manchester City Centre.
The River Irk is often labelled 'the lost river of Manchester' as its course has been extensively altered as the Industrial Revolution made its mark on the region.
The Irk Valley Project aims to provide the focus and direction necessary for the successful rejuvenation and regeneration of land within the Irk Valley and will work with local communities and the public and private sectors. Both people and wildlife will benefit greatly from sustainable environmental improvements over the coming years.
There has been proof recently of vast improvements to the water quality and ecosystem of the river through the sighting of the striking bird, the Kingfisher. The sighting was in Chadderton (near the Horton Arms Pub, Street Bridge Road) during February 2008.
(Photograph courtesy of M Fielding, 2008)
A recent wildlife survey indicates healthy populations of the bird in many urban areas like central London, Leeds and Manchester, and now Oldham!
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