Opening of Wardle Gateway

Wardle High School, Wardle Society, Wardle Bridleway and Moorend Trust representatives officially open the Wardle Gateway.

The Wardle Gateway has now opened to provide access to the Ashbrook Valley.

The Gateway was the idea of Wardle residents in the hope of creating a network of safe access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders to enjoy the Ashbrook valley.

Eventually the Wardle Gateway will also connect communities and visitors from Rochdale and Wardle to the Pennine Uplands.

Following work done by Eyesis Consultants on behalf of the Moorend Trust and the positive input from Wardle Society, Wardle & District Bridleways Group and Wardle High School, local land owners have made about 2500 square metres of land available to improve access and visual amenity.

An attempt has been made to 'design out' anti-social behaviour from motorised vehicles. A ‘tiger trap’ has been built to allow horses access but to deny off road motorcycles. A ‘kissing gate’ creates safe access for walkers and wheelchair users.

Future joint projects with Wardle High School and other local groups are planned such as wildlife habitat improvements, wildflower and woodland planting and litter picks.