Armed with notebooks, cameras and plenty of curiosity, residents set off to discover one of Bolton’s most remarkable natural landscapes and help shape its future at the same time.
Over two guided walks in June, organised by Groundwork Greater Manchester and the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society, visitors explored Nob End, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) that sits alongside the historic Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal.
Residents explored the unique habitats of Nob End (Image: Groundwork)
While many know the area for its industrial past, the walks revealed a very different story: one of rare wildlife, resilient landscapes and a community eager to see the canal flourish once again.
Among the highlights were the striking Bee Orchids, one of Britain’s most fascinating wildflowers.
Participants discovered rare Bee Orchids and other native plants (Image: Groundwork)
These remarkable plants have evolved to imitate the appearance and even the scent of female bees, attracting pollinators through an extraordinary example of natural adaptation.
Participants also learned to identify a variety of native plants that thrive on the unusual soils left behind by centuries of industrial activity.
The guided walks gave residents the chance to explore Nob End’s diverse wildlife and share ideas for the future of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal. (Image: Groundwork)
Eighteen people took part across the two walks, including local resident Karen, who is taking part in the Botanical Society’s 100 Plants Challenge.
She said: “These walks are a great opportunity to learn more about the nature around us.
“I’ve learned about 10 different species today.”
Volunteer Chris Nash, from the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society, said the landscape tells a remarkable story of nature reclaiming former industrial land.
He said : “It was fascinating to see how Victorian industrial-scale waste disposal along the canal has shaped the habitats and the ways that nature has adapted to provide these stunning flowers and landscapes.”
The guided events are about far more than spotting orchids and butterflies.
They form part of a wider partnership between Groundwork Greater Manchester, the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society and Be One Homes.
Volunteer Chris Nash shares his knowledge of Nob End’s fascinating landscape (Image: Groundwork)
Funded by Bolton CVS, they help restore and reimagine stretches of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal through Darcy Lever, Little Lever, Kearsley and neighbouring communities.
Alongside exploring wildlife, residents are being invited to share ideas about how the canal corridor could become an even better place to visit.
Early feedback has already highlighted strong support for practical improvements, with members of the Garden Brew and Chat Club in Little Lever calling for raised canal-side planters that are accessible for people with limited mobility.
The community’s ideas will help shape proposals for a new community garden, benches and picnic areas along the Little Lever section of the canal towpath.
Anyone interested in local history, wildlife or simply enjoying a walk in the countryside can join a series of free guided events planned throughout the summer and autumn, including butterfly walks, bat walks and tours exploring the canal’s historic breach repairs.
Upcoming walks include the Butterflies Walk on July 17, the Canal Breach Repair Walk on July 20, the Towpath Walk to Hall Lane Canal Basin on August 7, the Ladyshore Towpath Walk on August 18, the Bat Walk on September 4, the Ringley Towpath Walk on September 13 and another Canal Breach Repair Walk on October 19.
Residents who cannot attend a walk but would like to contribute ideas for the future of the canal can email communitycanals@groundwork.org.uk .