Formerly a thriving colliery site, Ashton’s Field is now an 8-hectare greenspace in Walkden, Salford. The site ceased coal production in the 1960s and was remediated in the 1990s before being transferred to the Land Trust in 2007.
A distinctive feature of the park is its four blue canal locks, a tribute to the underground canal system passing under this site, pioneered by James Brindley for the Duke of Bridgewater in the 18th century. The park also links to the Linnyshaw Loopline, part of Salford’s green corridor network, offering scenic pathways through grasslands and heathland for both wildlife and visitors.
Open Access
Limited parking for three cars
Surfaced paths and gates allow disabled access
Maintained footpaths
Well-controlled dogs welcome
Lancashire Wildlife Trust
Cleggs Lane,
Walkden,
Salford,
Greater Manchester,
M38 9PU
Ashton’s Field is a former colliery, established in the latter half of the 19th century and ceasing production of coal in the 1960s. Following remediation in the 1990s, this 8-hectare site was transferred to the Land Trust in November 2007.
A key feature of Ashton’s Field is the four blue canal locks – but no visible canal! The ornamental locks are a tribute to the underground canals built by pioneering civil engineer, James Brindley, for the Duke of Bridgewater. Opened in 1761, the Bridgewater canal was built to transport coal to Manchester and is widely considered the first modern canal in Britain, featuring 46 miles of canal underground, some of which pass under this site.
