Northern Roots is creating the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park on 160 acres of stunning green space in the heart of Oldham, Greater Manchester. A unique new community asset and visitor destination. In the heart of Oldham, fifteen minutes on foot from the town centre, lies a hidden wilderness waiting to be discovered. Loved by locals who know and visit it, the Northern Roots site stretches all the way from award-winning Alexandra Park in the north, past Park Bridge Heritage Centre, to Bankfield Clough in the south; 160-acres of lush urban green space looking out onto the foothills of the Peak District.
The Northern Roots site offers a diverse range of habitats, including woodland, moorland and seasonal wetlands. It is home to an abundance of native and migratory birds, plants, trees and mammals; migrant willow warblers newly arrived from Africa, foxes, and sparrowhawks circling overhead.
Oldham is steeped in history. A history of Vikings, fossil forests, steel smelting and social activism. And Northern Roots 160-acre site is no exception. From Roman roads and Victorian railways, to Pony Club events and sheep dog trials, the Northern Roots site is full of history – and memories.
Whether you like to walk, run or cycle, want to walk the dog or get the kids exploring, there’s so much to enjoy at Northern Roots. Northern Roots is actively used by local equestrians, so you may meet horses and riders on your travels too. Whatever you enjoy doing, there’s plenty of space for everyone.
Vision: Harnessing urban green space to benefit people, planet and place.
Mission: Transforming 160 acres of green space into a destination for learning, leisure and growing to benefit the environment, and improve health, wellbeing and livelihoods.
From market gardening to mountain biking, forest schools to woodland weddings, get involved, come on the journey with us, and help bring the vision to life.
With ambitions to become the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park, Northern Roots is due to take shape as a fully-functioning visitor destination this year. The 160-acres eco project, located just outside of Oldham town centre, could become a focal point for the community featuring a natural amphitheater, swimming pond, bike hub and mountain biking trails. There will also be plenty of community projects available too, with plans for beekeeping, animal husbandry and growing plots already in the pipeline.
Own or work here?