Oxbow Wood

Oxbow Wood lies within an area of land of approximately 81 hectares (equivalent to about 125 football pitches) and comprises several linked areas.

The site is mainly owned by three organisations Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council (TMBC), Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) and North West Water. It is located in an area of mixed land uses including former local authority tips, horse paddocks and recreational land. The River Mersey flows through the woods in an east to west direction. There are also several ponds through the area. It is popular with walkers and for horse riding and cycling and has an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways.

The Co-operative Bank Community Woodland project has enriched the area by improving and developing diverse wildlife habitats and opening the area up for increased public access.

Work on the site has included the planting of thousands of native British trees to increase tree cover. Existing woodland and grassland areas have been managed to increase biological diversity and an area of naturally wet meadow has been remodelled to provide a range of bird habitats. A pedestrian bridge has been erected across the River Mersey linking the two halves of the site and surface improvements have been made to footpath and bridleways. There are important links with the Trans-Pennine Trail and Dainewell Woods. Two marked trails guide the visitor through the interesting parts of the site and interpretation panels provide information along their routes.

Much of the site consists of a complex mosaic of habitats. Biodiversity surveys have identified several species rich habitats, especially the wet meadow close to the Torbay Road entrance to the site. A bird hide provides an opportunity to view the wet meadow from close quarters in this valuable feeding and breeding area.

Contact us

Mersey Valley Countryside Warden Service
Chorlton Water Park
Maitland Avenue
Chorlton
Manchester
M21 7WH
Tel: 0161 881 5639 Fax: 0161 881 6104
Email: wardenservice@merseyvalley.org.uk