The Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden is a famous tourist attraction in Manchester, England. Alderman Fletcher Moss, a former Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society president, named the park after himself. Manchester received this park in 1915 as a gift from Alderman Fletcher Moss.
Alderman Fletcher Moss, who died in 1919, was a philanthropist known for his generosity and for promoting the welfare of people. He lived in The Old Parsonage house by a Church in Stenner Lane.
Fletcher Moss Garden is located south of Manchester in Didsbury, a perfectly accessible location.
This nature’s beauty is just a stone’s throw away from the lively neighbourhood and is believed to be the most tranquil spot in the region.
1. Everything You Need to Know
Fletcher Moss Garden in Manchester city offers some of England’s most exquisite nature views, with various areas including Fletcher Moss Park and the Botanical Gardens, Parsonage Gardens, the River Mersey, and Millgate Fields.
Parsonage Gardens and Fletcher Moss Gardens are free to access all year. The scenic park has been running as a botanical garden with plenty of evergreen trees, a grouping of extravagant flowers, and walk-through passages that allow the people of Manchester to explore every part of the gardens.
This pleasant park carefully protects the marvellous Rock Garden from other elements. The central garden sits on a South-facing slope as a shelter. Apart from the Rock Garden, there are many different things to explore.
There are numerous other beautiful things to discover worldwide, like mini waterfalls, cherry blossoms, substantial palm trees, and a giant Rhubarb floating in a pond. The Giant Rhubarb is also known as Gunnera Manicata.
Wander around the park freely, and you will be pleased to see a tremendously picturesque setting, with some backdrops making it look like a different world. Take a walk under an arch filled with drooping yet beautiful purple flowers. Capture the cherry blossom trees and stroll through a framed path of giant looming trees by the River Mersey.
In addition to the eye-catching flowers and trees, Fletcher Moss Gardens are also home to wildlife and wildflowers. Bless your eyes and soul with the beauty of nature around the River Mersey, too. It is a peaceful place with everything to behold and explore. With family and friends’ company, you are in for a fabulous experience at these gardens.
2. Royal Society For Protection of Birds
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) was founded in Fletcher Moss Park in 1889. Emily Williamson, who lived in The Croft, was unhappy with the sheer killing of birds for the plumage. She organized a meeting and disagreed with the exploitation of birds. Hence, a Plumage League was formed.
The group succeeded and eventually merged with The Fur, Fin, and Feather Folk in Croydon, ultimately forming the Royal Society for Protection of Birds in the UK.
Since then, RSPB and Fletcher Moss Garden have worked together to protect birds and wildlife.
3. Activities To Do In The Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
Fletcher Moss Park is filled with heavenly flora. By gifting this place, Alderman Fletcher Moss wanted to elate the people of Manchester, UK. This park fascinates people with its botanical beauty, antiquated and unusual plants, and flowers.
Several original features have been retained at this park, like The Rock And Heather Gardens and The Alpine House just next to Fletcher Moss. Both these features offer a stupendously excellent experience to the visitors.
There are nine incredible activities you must explore while visiting this garden:
3.1. Health Walk
You will witness a health walk at Fletcher Moss Park. During the Mersey Valley Walk season, longer walks are held every fortnight.
This activity is famous for its lively atmosphere, which is always supported by refreshments like tea and coffee and conversations with others.
3.2. Tennis Court
You are welcome to play tennis. The authorities will help ensure a fun experience. Sessions are held regularly at tennis courts, and you can also take coaching classes. The motive is to make everyone play and enjoy themselves.
3.3. Fun Walking
Walk along the River Mersey, through Stenner Woods, and around Millgate Fields. The area is part of the Fletcher Moss Garden and offers a natural environment with wildlife to explore.
You might find it challenging to navigate at first, but eventually, you will get on the right path, and trust me, it is fun! A map can also help you visit Fletcher Moss Park and Millgate Fields.
3.4. Nature Trail
A stone’s throw from the great Hay Meadow and the Health Walk area, Stenner Woods offers Nature Trails through the woods along Stenner Lane.
The beauty of nature can be seen everywhere in Fletcher Moss Park. Different species of birds are seen in summer and winter at this park. There are multiple trees, beautiful plants, and wildflowers. You will also find insects like butterflies and dragonflies in summer.
The garden has a rich variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. Chusan palms, tulips, mulberry, dawn redwood, and other conifers are also seen within the gardens.
3.5. Access For Disabled
There are two accessible parking spaces in the Millgate Lane car park. A gate next to the car park allows easy access to entering the park. Disable-friendly toilets are also available within the garden.
Here, most paths are smooth wheelchairs, and pushchairs are accessible and suitable for use.
However, The Rock Garden is not for people who use wheelchairs, as there are inconvenient slopes and steps that a wheelchair might face.
3.6. WellBEEing Garden
The WellBEEing Garden is a new addition to the Garden and is made keeping in mind people who may have difficulty walking around the rockery. This garden is located to the left of the Millgate Lane entrance.
The authorities aim to organize social prescribing in this garden, which will open up a space for people who need to gain confidence through gardening and close interaction with nature.
3.7. Dog Walking
You and your dogs will enjoy a walk in Fletcher Moss Park, but you must follow the rules and Manchester City by-laws for dog walking.
A maximum of four dogs can be walked at a time. You must put a lead on your dog, and dogs must always be under the control of their owners.
The Rockery, The Pergola Garden, and the old tennis court are the places where dogs are prohibited.
3.8. The Friends Group
“The Friends of Fletcher Moss Park and Parsonage Gardens Group” was formed in 2006 to protect the garden area from developers, easy funding cuts, and damage due to carelessness. Another objective is to create a sense of ownership among locals and tourists who value their time at Fletcher Moss Park.
Since forming this group, these people have worked closely with the Manchester City Council. Their main motto is to set priorities for maintaining and uplifting the park’s values. They provide volunteers for work as and when required.
Apart from these, they also raise funds for several projects by applications to grant-awarding bodies. This is a group that believes in making a difference.
To become a member of this group, you must pay a small amount per annum. You can obtain the membership form from places like The Café at Fletcher Moss Gardens, The Visitors Centre at Fletcher Moss Gardens, The Old Parsonage, or The Alpine House in Parsonage Gardens.
The building with the orchids is now The Alpine House precisely because there used to be alpines in the gardens.
3.9. Cycling
If you love cycling in a place surrounded by nature, this park is the best option for you. It is open to all cyclists, but in some areas, they must dismount.
Note that cycling is not allowed in Parsonage Garden. Also, cycling is not permitted in the Rockery.
4. Restaurants Nearby The Garden
If you are looking for proper meals, these are some of the best restaurants around this park and Wilmslow Road to satisfy your cravings.
4.1. Baity Palestinian kitchen
Baity Palestinian Kitchen is a Middle-Eastern Manchester, UK, serving traditional and modern Palestinian dishes.
They don’t serve alcohol, and the menu includes a variety of Palestinian food, such as Hummus, Lamb, and Baklava Sweets, among others.
This Arabic-Palestinian restaurant will not disappoint you for sure. Enjoy the food of your choice with incredible staff service.
4.2. Expo Lounge
The Expo Lounge is a nice little getaway near the botanical gardens. It has a beautiful terrace with big windows that provide a fine view of the gardens and Wilmslow Road.
They offer a great range of food and drinks in a relaxed and comfy atmosphere. The menu includes a Veggie breakfast, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salad, Puddings, Cakes, and other mains. Overall, you will have a fine dining experience in a lovely atmosphere.
Wrapping Up
These activities enhance the botanical garden’s beauty. You can visit the park anytime, yet the tranquillity remains unchanged throughout all seasons.
Located south of Manchester in Didsbury, the residents of Manchester enjoy this tranquil park. The park improves air quality, provides habitat for wildlife, and provides a space for children and families to sit around and connect.
This place is not only known for its natural beauty and environmental benefits, but it also offers ample space for enthusiasts to work out, jog around, or feel the calmness of this place.
Take a break from the daily hustles and bustles and visit the botanical gardens with your loved ones. Here, you can spend the day appreciating nature’s beauty, participating in activities you like, and fulfilling your mid-day or evening cravings at the cafe or any restaurant you choose.
Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty
