Things to do in Hale Barns WA15

Cotterill Clough Nature Reserve

Cotterill Clough is a 5.6-hectare nature reserve near Manchester Airport. It is managed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust and lies within a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Cotterill Brook, which flows through the clough, is a tributary of the River Bollin

In Cheshire much of our remaining ancient woodland is in narrow, steep-sided valleys known as �cloughs�. Cotterill Clough is one of Cheshire's best examples, and located to the west of Manchester Airport, this is one of our oldest nature reserves. It was purchased in 1934 from funds raised by public subscription for a memorial to T.A. Coward, a famous Cheshire naturalist (1867-1933).

Three distinct zones exist within the woodland. The first of these occurs on the plateau edge where the canopy is dominated by birch pedunculated oak and sycamore. As you descend down the steep valley sides this grades into ash-wych elm woodland with a staggeringly diverse ground flora that includes ramsons, dog�s mercury, bluebells, wood anemone, lesser celandine and black bryony. Finally, the valley floor supports species more tolerant of the damper soil conditions including Alder and Willow species. Here the damp conditions allow ferns, mosses and liverworts to flourish alongside the flowering plants.

Halecroft Park

Park

Although it is quite small, Halecroft Park has a mix of sports facilities, open spaces, ornamental gardens, wildlife garden and play facilities.

Prior to 1965 when the land came into the ownership of the local authority Halecroft Park was partly open fields and partly formal gardens to Halecroft House. Maps show that the house was built at some stage between 1882 and 1910. The ornamental gardens still contain features that date from the original garden which it is believed were set out in an 'arts and crafts' style used by prominent architect Edgar Wood.

Painswick Park

Park

Children's play area, 5 a side football pitch, Multi use games area (MUGA), Skateboard area, Fishing pond

The site was originally farming land until the late 1950s. Its function then changed to a landfill site which in time was grassed over to form a mound. In 1962 the site was handed over to the council and an artificial lake constructed to serve as a holding pool for surplus flood water from the nearby Baguley Brook during severe rain storms. Poundswick Park was officially opened 1968. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish and used by local anglers.

Barns Bar & Grill

The Square

Casual · Groups

Brasserie Blanc

Upscale chain brasserie serving a classically French menu devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.

Hale Rd

Breakfast · Outdoor seating · Casual

Bulls Head

Village pub with updated-traditional fare and a beer garden, plus guestrooms in an adjacent lodge.

Wicker Ln

Happy hour food · Outdoor seating · Great cocktails