Healey Dell Nature Reserve
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Healey Dell Nature Reserve, on the outskirts of Rochdale, in Lancashire is a beauty spot and wildlife sanctuary rich in industrial archaeology, two miles from Rochdale town centre on the way to Whitworth and Bacup.
The River Spodden has carved its way through the woodlands through thousands of years, creating delightful scenery and spectacular waterfalls which once powered ancient corn, wool and cotton mills. A disused nineteenth century railway line is now a nature trail with magnificent views from a hundred foot high viaduct.
Healey Dell is well worth of a visit at any time of the year and offers a wide range of flora and fauna. In early June, on the banks along the streams you will see Marsh Orchids, Bistort, Yellow Flag and Pink Purslane. Birds such as Moorhen, the Mallard, and the Canada Goose nest there. The dell has a number of small ponds with an abundance of wildlife.
The Healey Dell Heritage Centre offers visitors a unique experience with its recently opened Victorian themed tea rooms with English cream teas served in vintage bone-china.
The Visitor Centre offers a permanent exhibition featuring a pictorial history of the Dell as well as details of guided walks and trails.There is a Fairy Grotto where children can meet the Healey Dell Fairy Godmother and so much more.
Car parking is available at Broadley Wood Lodge, off Station Road and at the Heritage Centre.
Directions
Signposted from A671 Rochdale-Bacup Road and from B6377 opposite Healey Hotel. Car Parking at Broadley Wood Lodge, off Station Road and at the Ranger Office, Healey Hall Mills, Dell Road, Shawclough, Rochdale.