Drive & Stroll, with RON FREETHY

IF you like a blend of industrial archeology and natural history then here is the ideal place.

On a bright late autumn morning I reached the substantial car park of Moses Gate Country Park which, since the 1970s, has been converted into an excellent nature reserve with a circular footpath running around it.

During the stroll, the confluence of the River Croal and the River Irwell can be seen. Not so long ago this confluence was among the most polluted in Europe. The fact that one of the nature walks is called the Kingfisher Trail gives a clear indication of the improvements.

From the 18th century to the 1970s things were very different. The presence of the two rivers was an incentive for the Industrial Revolution to develop in the area. Coal mines, cotton mills, bleach works and then paper mills used (and misused) the water. In 1796 the Manchester, Bury and Bolton Canal was opened which made transport easier and therefore cheaper.

The most important industry at Moses Gate was the Farnworth Paper Mills, owned by the Crompton family. They built Rock Hall in 1830 and this impressive building can be viewed as it is now the base for the Visitors' Centre and is also used by the Bolton Countryside Service. Rock Hall is open throughout the year and can be contacted on 01204 334343.

From Rock Hall I followed the sound of rushing water until I reached a large weir down which ruses the river Croal. I followed the path to the confluence with the Irwell.

It was easy to see how both rivers became polluted and this became a real financial worry for the Cromptons. Paper making and discoloured water do not go together. They therefore had to construct the substantial lodges. Wooden boarding has been placed around the edges and the presence of seats and picnic areas has made wildlife watching easy.

Along the circular route is another example of nature fighting back from pollution. The area is called Nob End, where there was once a huge chemical industry. Waste products were dumped and over the years a chalky layer has been produced. This has proved to be ideal habitat for plants such as birdsfoot trefoil and several species of orchid.

You could do worse than visit Moses Gate several times in the course of a year. You will always discover something different.

Moses Gate just to the south of Bolton can be reached from East Lancashire by following the M61 and then the A666. An alternative route to Bolton is via Belmont. For rail users, Moses Gate has its own station. From there it's a five-minute walk down Loxham Street to the country park.