The Brownhill Nature Garden, is in the heart of Saddleworth between Dobcross and Uppermill and is surrounded by dramatic Pennine scenery.
Nestled alongside the Huddersfield Canal and overlooked by the Manchester to Huddersfield Viaduct.
The nature garden is accessible for all via a ramped walkway with tactile path indicators and raised planters.
The garden is planted with a range of cottage garden plants which are beneficial for wildlife especially pollinators. These include herbaceous perennials and annuals as well as a selection of herbs.
The garden includes woodland and a hazel coppice area along with a wildflower meadow and pond with dipping platform. There are numerous habitats within the garden to encourage the wildlife. The garden provides an excellent educational resource, with a gazebo and bird hide that doubles as an outdoor classroom for visiting school and community groups.
Besom Hill
A popular route for dog walkers, this former hilltop quarry offers stunning views and vistas of Greater Manchester and beyond.
On the quarry floor there are fossils to be found, predominately Calamites, large tree-like horse tails but also fish teeth, also scales and fin spines, within the shale strata.
At the summit of the hill stands a large distinctive stainless cross, erected in 1998 to commemorate the beginning of the third millennium. A communal service is held at the cross by local churches every Good Friday.
Delph Donkey
This former local branch railway line is now a recreational route for all to enjoy either on foot, horse or bike.
Access to the Delph Donkey is off Mow Halls Lane, Dobcross towards the Old Station at Delph but horse riders and cyclists are advised to exit the route at Knarr Lane. In springtime there are many spring flowering woodland plants growing at the side of the old track including bluebells under the trees that now line the route.Diggle Fields
Water is the main theme to this countryside area, with both Diggle Brook and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, forming two boundaries.
Two modern play areas cater for infant and junior age groups using the canal as their design influence in pine woodland surroundings.
Sculptures and interactive games lead the visitor on a network of paths the Standedge Tunnel entrance, (the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel, above sea level, in the country).
Leavers Wood
This woodland lies to the north of Dobcross and rises steeply from its boundary with the River Tame.
The site is designated as a Site of Biological Importance (SBI) due to the woodland being semi-natural with oak and birch being the most abundant trees.
During the spring this area is awash with colour as the bluebells flower.
Remnants of an industrial past are evident in the mill lodges still present and used by the local fishing club.