Larger than a Country Park but smaller than a National Park, Regional Parks are distinct landscape areas usually located in the urban fringe and often containing large areas of previously derelict land.
Some examples of Regional Parks
Within Europe, the Emscher Regional Park in the Ruhr Valley has transformed the disused heavily industrialised landscape into an attractive visitor destination. Within England, the Lea Valley Regional Park has restored large areas of mineral workings to the east of London into a network of recreation sites and will host the 2012 Olympic Games.
Regional Parks in the Northwest
Now the idea of Regional Parks is gaining popularity within the Northwest and two areas within Red Rose Forest are being looked at to be developed into Regional Parks, the Croal Irwell Regional Park and Wigan’s Greenheart.
Croal Irwell Regional Park
The Croal Irwell Regional Park extends from the centre of Manchester out to the West Pennine Moors through Central Salford, Bury and Bolton up the Croal and Irwell river valleys. It aims to develop itself as a regional centre for active recreation and become known as Greater Manchester’s Urban Playground.
Wigan’s Greenheart
Wigan's Greenheart Regional Park brings together countryside sites across Wigan Borough to create an exciting environment surrounded by thriving and sustainable communities. Greenheart stretches from Leigh all the way up to Haigh Hall, and includes beautiful parks, woodlands, wetlands, canals and green spaces for you to visit. This network of sites represent one of the region's most important environmental and recreational assets, and demonstrates how a former industrial area can be transformed into an area with a mix of recreational facilities, wildlife habitats and open spaces.
Greenheart looks to support the rich habitats and biodiversity in the borough - which is of regional and national importance - and is a great place to visit. There's plenty going on in Greenheart to get involved in - from events and activities, to projects improving access and facilities.
More Information
For more information on Regional Parks in Red Rose Forest please contact Mike Savage, Operations Manager on 0161 872 1660 or at
For more information on Regional Parks throughout the North West please visit the Regional Parks Exchange website
