Industry makes way for nature's return

REDDISH Vale is still a wonderful area following a meander of the River Tame. This is one of three tributaries of the Mersey which meet in Stockport. The other two are the Etherow and the Goyt.

This stretch of the river was idyllic until 1780 when the Industrial Revolution began and a calico printing works was established. Calico means plain, undyed cotton and it was first produced in the Indian town of the same name. It was imported into England until American raw cotton started to be brought into Liverpool and our textile industry developed. The word calico has, however, been kept.

The dyes used to print the calico often coloured the water and special ponds were created to ensure clean supplies. Circular walks run around the ponds which are now a haven for wildfowl. Local folk come every day to ensure that a swan with a deformed bill gets plenty to eat. Seats are provided and so there are plenty of places to picnic and the place is at its best in winter.

The ponds are overlooked by a magnificent railway viaduct. This was built in 1875 and is still in use. Like our viaduct at Whalley and the Ribblehead span beyond Settle, this structure is a triumph of Victorian engineering and muscle.

I followed the obvious track from the ponds towards the visitor centre and then over a bridge. I then followed the river, crossed under the viaduct and continued along the Tame. I love looking at maps and on the opposite of the Tame I notice an area called Holt Wood. Holt is the word used to describe the breeding hole of the otter. This set me thinking about Lancashire's rivers before the Industrial Revolution brought profits and pollution. Otters were once plentiful and the hope is that they will eventually return to our rivers. Inside the visitor centre there are resident wardens especially at weekends. These guys welcome visitors who love wildlife as much as they do. They can be contacted on 0161 477 5637. The ponds were obviously not there before the Industrial Revolution and there is no doubt that wildlife is now benefiting from their existence. Before 1780 there was a water mill on the Goyt but this was demolished before the ponds were excavated.

We should follow the example of our wildlife and adapt to change. It is a human trend to think that all is doom and gloom. It is not, as I found out when I strolled around Reddish Vale.

Reddish Vale is only about one hour from East Lancashire. It is reached via the M66 and M60. Turn off at Junction 24. Follow the A57 towards Manchester. Continue towards and over Reddish South Railway Station. Then look for traffic lights. Turn left onto Reddish Vale Road. This continues ahead passing a school on the left. Then follow a narrow cul-de-sac and pass Reddish Vale Small Animal Farm on the right. This is open to the public but not every day. Children love the place and horses can be hired. Telephone 0161 480 1645. Carry on to Reddish Vale Visitors Centre.