A vast 160-acre stretch of former industrial land in Oldham has been converted into the UK’s largest farm and eco-park. The newly opened Northern Roots project has transformed previously unused land next to Alexandra Park into a productive landscape that includes a working farm and a woodland forge.
Delivered through a partnership between the Northern Roots charity and Oldham Council, the new development gives people the chance to enjoy nature closer to home, improving local health and wellbeing, supporting education, creating local jobs, and playing an important role in Oldham’s ongoing regeneration.
By 2030, Northern Roots aims to attract 300,000 visitors a year. The project also aims to increase wildlife habitats by 25%, generate clean renewable energy, and store 30,000 tonnes of carbon by 2050.
Northern Roots offers a ‘farm-to-fork experience’
Central to the operation is a hyper-local food supply chain, where freshly harvested produce travels just 200 metres from the soil to a new on-site café-kitchen. Developed with acclaimed chef, food writer and restaurateur Mary-Ellen McTague, the café offers a ‘farm-to-fork experience’ where staff turn the day’s harvest directly into hot meals and fresh dishes for visitors. The close proximity between the growing areas and the café eliminates standard transport times, ensuring immediate use of the seasonal ingredients grown on the property.
Woodland forge and forestry skills
Beyond the agricultural plots and polytunnels, the sprawling site extends into wooded areas that house a working metal forge located inside a timber cabin. The forge is currently being prepared to host hands-on public workshops. Adjacent to these woodland facilities, the park has established a dedicated forestry skills centre to expand the educational and practical training aspects of the project.
The grounds are navigated via wooden signposts directing visitors towards different zones, including Snipe Clough Farm, an amphitheatre, and the main visitor building. The park also breaks from conventional recreational design by offering a playground equipped with large-scale climbing nets and sand-and-water features where adults are actively encouraged to join in.
Community spaces and future events
The wider landscape of Northern Roots incorporates new ponds, wildflower borders, and strawberry gardens, creating dedicated spaces for community gathering and wellbeing. Walking paths wind through the greenery, completely replacing the site’s industrial past with accessible nature.
With the visitor centre, shop, and café now operational, the team behind Northern Roots is scheduling a wider programme of community events and outdoor activities as the eco-park establishes its permanent presence in the region.
“This is just the beginning.”
Shelley Kipling, Chief Executive at Oldham Council, said: “What has been achieved here is truly remarkable. Transforming former industrial land into a vibrant green space that people can enjoy, learn from and benefit from is something that will make a lasting difference to people’s lives.
“Northern Roots will give our residents new opportunities to connect with nature, improve their wellbeing, learn new skills and spend time with their family and friends.
“Oldham is one of the greenest boroughs in the region, and we want people to enjoy the benefits of having such a fantastic green space on the doorstep. This is a landmark moment for Oldham that complements the wider regeneration of our borough.
“This is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see it continue to grow and make a real difference to our communities, bringing people together for many years to come.”
“Northern Roots belongs to Oldham, but we also hope it becomes an example of what is possible for towns and cities across the UK.”
Anna da Silva, Chief Executive of Northern Roots, said: “Today is the beginning of something we’ve been working towards for many years. It’s incredibly exciting to finally welcome people through our doors and invite them to experience everything Northern Roots has to offer.
“This project has always been about much more than creating a beautiful green space. We’ve set out to show what happens when you invest in nature as essential social infrastructure – somewhere that improves health, creates opportunities, restores biodiversity, supports local businesses and brings communities together.
“Standing here today, surrounded by woodland alive with wildlife, people enjoying the space, children exploring the landscape and community champions sharing their knowledge, you can already see the difference this place is making. Northern Roots belongs to Oldham, but we also hope it becomes an example of what is possible for towns and cities across the UK.
“Our work doesn’t stop with today’s opening. This is the start of the next chapter, and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow the landscape, the programmes, the partnerships and the opportunities that will ensure Northern Roots creates lasting benefits for generations to come.”
When is Northern Roots open?
Normal operating hours will begin from Thursday 24 September, 9am to 4pm Thursday to Sunday.
📍Northern Roots, Kings Road, Oldham, OL8 2BJ.
