Daisy Nook Country Park: My Lifeline During Lockdown

Daisy Nook Country Park became a lifeline for thousands of Oldham residents during lockdown, offering a rare escape when most other amenities were closed. The 40-hectare park, straddling the Oldham-Tameside border, saw visitor numbers surge as people discovered its network of walking routes, from accessible paths to Crime Lake to more challenging trails along the River Medlock.

For many, the modest cafe at the main entrance became a daily ritual-serving everything from hot drinks to ice creams, with both indoor seating and an outdoor hatch for takeaway. The park's historical significance adds another layer to its appeal, with remnants of the Hollinwood Branch Canal still visible throughout the site, including old locks and aqueducts that once transported goods through the area.

The ruins of Riversvale Hall, once home to pioneering Egyptologist Kate Bradbury Griffith, offer a glimpse into the park's past. Though only a wall remains, visitors can still spot pottery and glass fragments in the water, hinting at the site's rich history. The park has also become a magnet for wildlife photographers, with stunning images regularly shared in the Friends of Daisy Nook Country Park group.

Looking ahead, there's renewed optimism for the park's future. A constituted volunteer group is now fundraising to improve and maintain the site, while Community Payback scheme participants have already begun work on the children's play area and other neglected sections. These efforts suggest Daisy Nook will continue to be a vital green space for generations of Oldham residents.