The High Point, Blackleach Country Park

Image: © David Dixon Taken: 5 May 2012

106 metres above sea level, this is one of the highest places in Salford and has been named "The High Point". The information boards also claim that it is one of the best vantage points in the city and provide photographs and information on the features (which should be) visible. Unfortunately, as the trees have matured, most of the sights are now obscured. Still, the bench makes a good place to rest for a few minutes. Blackleach Country Park is in what used to be an old industrial area of Walkden, half a mile north of the town centre. Over the last decade or so, the area has been transformed from a derelict site, badly polluted from its former industrial use; in particular, by a chemical factory producing dyes with an adjacent chemical waste heap known locally as 'Stink Bomb Hill' because of the strong sulphurous smell that came off it. Trees and bushes have now replaced the derelict buildings. Grass and flowers cover what was the toxic waste heap. The rubbish filled reservoir is now a lake with plenty of fish and water birds. The park was officially designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 2004. http://www.salford.gov.uk/blackleach.htm Salford City Council http://www.bbc.co.uk/manchester/content/articles/2008/05/15/friends_blackleach_country_park_feature.shtml BBC Manchester - Park Life http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackleach_Country_Park Wikipedia

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