Brookhouse Wood

Brookhouse wood is owned by Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA), and is a recently completed landfill site. The site is 21.5 hectares and is surrounded by railway embankments and the M62 and M60.

The site is split into areas of natural grassland, disturbed arable land and broad-leafed plantation. There are patches of other habitats such as marshy grassland around these, as well as broad leafed semi-natural woodland lining one edge of the site.

The site has suffered from arson to its scrub and grassland areas, but most species appear to have survived this.

The Co-operative Bank Community Woodland project has enabled a transformation of the site into a well managed and accessible wildlife haven.

Work on the site has included the planting of thousands of native British trees such as Alder, Beech and Willow. The diverse grassland area has been enhanced and woodland flora has been added to the area. An improved layer of topsoil has also been added through the process of green waste spreading. The area now offers a network of paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders throughout the rural landscape.

Much of the site consists of a complex mosaic of habitats. Biodiversity surveys have identified several species rich habitats, especially in the marshy grassland within the eastern section of the site. This area provides breeding and feeding habitats for many species of birds and insects as well as the small orchid colony associated with the marshy grass.

Contact us

Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority
Manchester Chambers
11 Manchester Street
Oldham
OL1 1LF
Tel: 0161 911 3581 Fax: 0161 911 3584