Pilsworth Lake is in South Lancashire on the edge of Pennine moorland. The landscape was formed by glacial melt at the end of the last ice age. The ice age and the rise of the Industrial Revolution may seem disconnected, but the glacial valleys formed during the retreat of the ice supplied soft water brooks that millennia later drove the machinery of the early cotton mills.

The main lake was dug in the early 19th century to serve Pilsworth Clough Mill, which lies 10 miles north of Manchester city centre. The Industrial era brought change from a rural to an industrial economy dominated by machine manufacturing. Since it became obsolete, the pit has been filled, and gradually nature has reasserted its presence. Today, a quiet stream meanders through the bucolic valley. Meanwhile, modern industrial units continue to spread around the site periphery.

The proposal celebrates the unique heritage of the site, highlighting its significance in early industrialisation, while enhancing the recovery of the landscape. To enhance the natural beauty and biodiversity of the lake, and to cater to the recreational needs of the community, existing activities such, as angling, are supported, while new activities, including walking, nature watching, and picnicking, will be introduced. A connective network of landscape structures, including walkways, viewing balconies, nature hides, outdoor theatres, and classrooms, are also proposed.

Rain garden habitats manage surface water runoff, enhance ecological diversity, and help blend the form into the landscape. By offering accessible rural qualities and promoting sustainable development, the project supports the community’s desire for social and environmental enrichment. By telling the story of this place and its historical importance, the proposal aims to foster a deeper connection between the community and its surroundings.

To support these activities, a café, shop, visitor’s centre, and boathouse will be built in materials that minimise their carbon footprint. The landscape design will increase biodiversity by more than ten percent, supporting the natural generation of the site and the re-introduction of native species.

The proposal for Pilsworth Lake represents a holistic approach to land management, combining community engagement, recreational development, heritage preservation, and ecological restoration.

Transforming a brownfield site into a vibrant and sustainable asset, the project promises to enhance the quality of life for communities in the Greater Manchester metropolis, while preserving the natural beauty of the area.