Happy Valley Nature Reserve
Today the nature reserve is home to a wide variety of habitats and wildlife, from small mammals such as moles and shrews to a range of birds including kingfishers and herons. The 17-hectare valley contains areas of ancient woodland, the Great Reddish Woods, and in the spring you’ll find the ground blanketed with bluebells.
You can easily extend your walk by going to Bramhall Park. Happy Valley is also part of the Ladybrook Valley Interest Trail, a route through South Manchester which follows the brook from Cheadle to Disley.
Bramhall Park
Bramall Park, has a superb example of a Tudor Manor House with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The Hall, one of the most beautiful treasures of England, is of great national importance. The magnificent 16th Century wall paintings, striking Elizabethan plaster ceiling, the Victorian Kitchens and Servants’ Quarters give this Hall its unique charm. The Hall stands in 70 acres of parkland designed in the Victorian Romantic style. It offers woodland walks with intriguing glimpses of the Hall itself and of the brooks and lakes.
Poynton
Poynton Park offers residents 21 hectares of ‘Capability Brown-styled’ parkland with ancient trees, a spectacular pool. Middlewood Way is a ‘greenway’ along the route of a disused railway line, and now a popular route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Macclesfield Canal and can be accessed from Nelson Pit and footpaths from Higher Poynton link directly to Lyme Park.​The award winning shared space scheme contributes to a thriving town centre with a design where vehicles and pedestrians have equal rights. This innovative scheme contributes to a vibrant and social street-scene with wide pavements, slow vehicles and easy crossings making it easy to browse the town’s good mix of independent local shops like butchers and greengrocers nestled between high street chains and major supermarkets. It has a wide selection of local eateries, bars and live music venues which adds to the “café culture” feeling in the Town
