Looking to visit Trafford Ecology Park?
Trafford Ecology Park is a beautiful & peaceful green space hidden in the industrial area of Trafford Park, Manchester.
Generally the park is open to visitors every Monday to Friday from 9am – 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays and the Christmas and New Year break).
If you are making a special visit it is recommended that you contact the office before visiting:
You can contact us on 0161 220 1000 or by email on [email protected] as there may be exceptions where these opening times cannot be supported.
Trafford Ecology Park is a registered Site of Biological Importance; home to a variety of wildlife including Herons, Newts, Kestrels, Bullfinches, Dragonflies, Bees and more!
What to expect at Trafford Ecology Park
Trafford Ecology Park is an 11-acre nature reserve in the middle of Europe’s largest industrial estate, Trafford Park.
Turning right off Lake Road you’ll arrive in a small car park in front of the Groundwork Greater Manchester office. Unfortunately this is not a visitors centre and is not open to the general public.
Please explore the grounds at your own leisure keeping to footpaths and tracks at all times.
Please be aware the site comprises natural woodland and pond areas and therefore there are associated natural hazards. Please dress appropriately, especially footwear. Children must be supervised at all times.
Opening Hours
| Monday: | 9am – 4pm |
| Tuesday: | 9am – 4pm |
| Wednesday: | 9am – 4pm |
| Thursday: | 9am – 4pm |
| Friday: | 9am – 3pm |
| Saturday: | Closed |
| Sunday: | Closed |
| Bank Holidays: | Closed |
The parks main feature is a large lake which is bordered by a circular path. This path leads to a woodland area where our forest school sessions take place.
Fishing rights are reserved for members of Altrincham Anglers – please visit their website for more information.
The park is a public green space which contains two ponds and a forest school shelter. There are a number of picnic benches scattered throughout the park which can be used by visitors.
Unfortunately, as the site is maintained by volunteers, there are limited bin facilities so we request that visitors take all their litter home. Unfortunately there are no toilets on site.
The History of Trafford Ecology Park
Trafford Ecology Park was once part of the De Trafford family estate and the lake you see today is the original boating lake.
At the end of the 19th Century the De Trafford estate was sold off and so began it’s journey to becomes the largest industrial park in Europe.
Following years of industrial use including tipping, restoration work was undertaken in the 1980/90s to create the current Ecology Park which has now become a beautiful green space home to a variety of habitats.
Directions
If arriving by car there is a small car park within the Ecology Park, however, spaces are limited. There is street parking available on Lake Road if spaces aren’t available within the main car park.
Use Lake Road, M17 1TU for Sat Nav.
The nearest Metrolink stop is Village on the red line, which is then followed by a 15min walk.
There are a number of Bus routes in the area, please visit Transport for Greater Manchester for the latest information about getting here by bus.
Bicycles can be locked securely in our on-site bike store which also features a free to use bike pump.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
More information can be found on our CONTACT page.
