Trafford Ecology Park - Local Nature Reserve.
 Approximately
4.5 hectares in size (11.3 acres), the park exhibits a diverse
range of habitats coexisting together on this relatively small
site. The site was designed as an ecology park having been
established via an initial reclamation stage, natural colonisation
and additional habitat creation. The site was declared a local
Nature reserve in November 2006 by Trafford MBC.
The Trafford Ecology Park provides an opportunity for busy
Trafford Park staff to take a break from the hectic daily schedule
and reconnect with wildlife. The site is well maintained, free of
litter and provides many little corners for quiet contemplation or
for to rest the mind. The site is not overly large and a walk
around the lake should take no more than half an hour. Benches and
Picnic Tables are arranged at convenient points to allow a view to
be enjoyed or to make a gentle and manageable exercise program.
For more details please download the
Leaflet or for more in depth
information the Management Plan.
-
 Habitats
include;
- Wetland - dominated by the lake, with six ponds,
reed-bed marsh and wet meadow grassland.
- Woodland - deciduous and coniferous plantings.
- Grasslands - This includes wildflower meadow areas.
- Other Features
- Formal Flower Beds
- Wildflower Nursery.
- Bird Hide.
- Bee hive display.
History
Trafford Ecology Park is located within the Trafford Park
Industrial Estate. It has been described as an environmental oasis
amidst one of the largest industrial sites in Europe.
The site was originally part of the de Trafford family estate. The
lake on site is the remains of a boating lake built by the family.
Recreational activities such as walking around and boating on the
lake were regularly undertaken by many of the visitors to the
site. The family then sold most of the park in the 1890s for
development as an industrial estate. Local communities continued
to use the lake for recreational activities up until the 1930s.
In 1973, Esso bought the site and as a part of a move to
safeguard the land from pollution they undertook general
maintenance and restoration work, removed contaminated materials
and stocked the lake with fish.
 In 1983, the land was sold to Trafford Metropolitan Borough
Council for development as an ecology park. Between 1983 and 1986,
the park received money from Trafford M.B.C., Trafford Park
Development Corporation and from the Department of the
Environment, as a derelict land grant. This was spent on
reclaiming and improving the Ecology Park.
In 1988 ownership of the site transferred hands again to the
Trafford Park Development Corporation for a ten-year period.
Groundwork Salford & Trafford took over management in 1989 (funded
by the T.P.D.C.) and gained ownership in April 1998.
Today Trafford Ecology Park is the only existing site not given
over to industry
 Angling.
Any Angling on site is managed by the Altrincham and District
Angling Club. Only anglers of this association may fish this
water.
Leaflets / Links
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