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The River Medlock flows west from Tameside & Oldham into Manchester. It runs for 13 miles (including passing through Clayton Vale) before merging with the Irwell at Castlefield. The Industrial revolution exacted a heavy toll on the river, factories & waste tips lining its banks decreased the water quality to such an extent that the river stopped being able to support a fish population. Recent restoration has, however, improved water quality, the river was restocked with fish, and wildlife such as herons and kingfishers can often be seen now.

Covering approximately four square miles of urban countryside, Clayton Vale local nature reserve is located in the heart of the Medlock Valley in east Manchester. It has been known by a number of names, including The Dingle (a nickname for a small wooded valley or hollow) and Clayton Alps (due to the steep sides on the south of the river). Originally an area of countryside, it was later turned into a municipal tip and more recently has been restored to the green countryside it is today.

During the 1800s, print and dye works, Bradford Colliery and Stuart Street Power Station were all established around Clayton Vale. In 1907 Manchester Corporation turned the site into a tip; first for the cinders from Stuart Street Power Station and later, as a municipal tip for general household waste, and by 1966 the entire area of Clayton Vale had either been tipped on was in current use as a landfill site. Although tipping ceased in the 1970s, the area was then a barren landscape. Reclamation of the land began in 1982 and, over a 10-15 year period, approximately 250,000 trees were planted. A path network and ponds were also improved and developed. The aim was to attract wildlife and create a pleasant landscape setting, accessible for everyone.

Friends of Clayton Vale website: Link
Clayton Vale leaflet: Link