Moses Gate, Country Park Farnworth — Attraction in Bolton

Moses Gate Country Park, located near the town of Bolton in Greater Manchester, England, is a serene and scenic green space that provides a peaceful escape from the urban environment. Established in the 1980s, the park is a modern creation, but it has quickly become a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, thanks to its beautiful landscapes, tranquil waterways, and diverse wildlife.

The history of Moses Gate Country Park dates back to the 19th century when much of the land was used for agriculture and industrial purposes. The area was part of the local textile industry’s expansion, with cotton mills and other factories making use of the nearby watercourses, such as the River Croal and its tributaries. Over time, as industrial activities declined, the land was left unused, leading to a period of neglect and deterioration. However, in the early 1980s, Bolton Council, recognizing the area's potential for recreation and conservation, decided to transform it into a public park.

The park covers a considerable area of 750 acres, with a mix of woodlands, meadows, and wetland areas, as well as a series of ponds and small lakes. One of the park’s main features is its network of walking and cycling paths, which allow visitors to explore the diverse environments, from peaceful woodlands to open fields and waterways. The park’s centerpiece is the former Moses Gate Mill Pond, which is now home to a variety of birds, including ducks and swans, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.

Moses Gate Country Park is also home to a wealth of wildlife, including species of amphibians, mammals, and insects that thrive in its various habitats. The park's diverse plant life, including wildflowers and native trees, further contributes to its ecological importance and its appeal as a natural haven for wildlife.

While the park is relatively young in comparison to many historic landscapes, its design is rooted in principles of conservation and accessibility. Its layout includes accessible paths for people of all abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the park's beauty. The park is also a popular venue for educational activities and community events, such as nature walks, outdoor fitness sessions, and family-friendly gatherings.

Moses Gate Country Park has also benefited from ongoing conservation efforts and improvements, with initiatives aimed at maintaining its wildlife habitats and enhancing its recreational facilities. The park is managed by the local authorities and is a prime example of how industrial land can be repurposed for public enjoyment and environmental sustainability.

Today, Moses Gate Country Park is a vibrant and vital green space that serves as a reminder of the importance of urban parks in improving quality of life and fostering a connection with nature. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and a peaceful retreat, making it an essential part of the local community and a testament to the transformation of a once industrial landscape into a place of beauty and ecological...

Great Park for seeing wild life. Hundreds of Canada Geese, swans and different varieties of ducks. Lots of parking space and disabled spots near the front. The young and old seem to love it here. Walking round the lake is good but I prefer to go off behind Rock Hall to the paths, woodlands and hills around the river and up to the old canal as my dog can then run off lead with out fear of him being chased by geese and swans. Lots of bins present which are vital for a dog walker. Nice little playground for children. The river can get v rapid so take care with dogs / kids who are likely to go jump in. So sad that the Old Grade 2 listed Rock Hall is left derelict. It has a fascinating history related to Samuel Crompton and the start of the World's Industrial Revolution. It would be amazing to see it restored in to a cafe / museum / Rangers Station with wildlife information, selling duck food and ice creams etc (as it would be in more prosperous borough's of Greater Manchester.). It could be a gold mine if repaired and if a bit of money was spent on the park with perhaps a small parking fee that I'm sure people would be happy to pay to help get this park to the way it should be. Please remember that the birds should be fed oats / seeds / frozen peas / lettuce (and nuts for the squirrels) NOT BREAD which gives them poor nutrition and makes the lake water rotten and unsafe. Lovely to see both the very old and the very young all out feeding the animals. Toilets are available but I don't know the opening times. The car park gates are closed at dusk. Come on Bolton, let's get this park spruced up and made into the real attraction that it could...

Moses gate is a great local family park with three mini ponds you can easily walk around, that are suitable for all ages an abilities.

Total distance is about 1mile all the way round. The beauty with Moses Gate though with how the park is designed you can walk each individual pond on its own, giving you the ability to tailor your stroll.

The park also offers a few nature trails inside the forest, which make for a great adventures for the kids with an aray of wild life too be seen.

The park is easy access an has some great picnic areas.there is also a large soft ground play area situated near the water fall for the kids play.

Plus as a sweet treat you will often find a ice cream van in the main cat park!!

The are Public loos available but these arnt always open.

Parking is easy too get too an park with disable parking available. Plus depending on how much of a stroll you would like you can park higher up or right down bye the lake. Making this park perfect for those who my have difficulty in mobility.

The path ways of the park are suitable for both wheel chair an also push chairs. But be mind full as on winter days these can be quite muddy so could become...