With the launch of ten brand new story walks and signage created by the local community and artists, people of all ages are invited to explore and enjoy Chadwick Dam like never before.

Chadwick Dam is a hidden gem, nestled between Stamford Park boating lake and Tameside General Hospital.

The community around Chadwick Dam have been working with artists and Ridgehill Enterprises to transform and take care of this hidden Stalybridge gem through a series of projects organised by Tameside Council’s Culture and Public Health teams using funding from the Chadwick Dam Activation Project via the Mayor’s Challenge Fund. Talented students from Tameside College’s Aspirations cohort worked last year with Mossley-based street artist Simon Mounds on the eight-week ‘Made You Look’ project transforming a storage container at the scenic spot into a masterpiece.

School children from Silver Springs Primary Academy and Inspire Academy have now worked with local storyteller Simon Sullivan to write and record six imaginative Tales of Chadwick Dam.

Locally based 2 Boards & A Passion theatre company co-created relaxing story walks for wellbeing with Performing Arts students at Ashton Sixth Form College. They also recorded reminiscence story walks with Chatty Cafe friends (St George’s, Stalybridge) - some of whom are almost 90 years old! - capturing childhood memories of post-war Tameside.

The story walks are an imaginative way to enhance your wander at Chadwick Dam. Listen by scanning the QR code when you get there or go online before or after your visit www.intameside.co.uk/discoverchadwickdam .

Don’t forget your headphones to best enjoy them! New way-finding signs have been created by interference-art and local school children and older people and are designed to share ideas for walks, wellbeing, and ways to enjoy nature.

The children and older people’s fantastic drawings and paintings are inspired by their story walks, local wildlife and things you will find at Chadwick Dam These initiatives follow on from the Made You Look project that brightened up a once-rusty container with artwork created by Tameside College’s Aspirations cohort and street artist Simon Mound. Chadwick Dam has also been the setting for all sorts of discoveries on family nature walks, foraging wanders, bat spotting sessions - and even the first sighting in these parts of the fungus poplar bell (Schizophyllum amplum).

Cllr Taf Sharif, First Deputy, Population Health & Wellbeing, said “The story walks offer a really brilliant way for everyone to rediscover our local nature, enjoy the great outdoors and stay active. The artwork has helped revitalise the local site and I would encourage everyone whatever their age to take the opportunity to get out and explore our local countryside and green spaces as spring approaches.”

The Bee Network walking and cycling route and accessible path, delivered by Tameside Council, is also helping people be more active. Nearby schools are making active journeys here and enjoying the natural scenery. Now, everyone can discover a green oasis that’s perfect for picnics, play and taking time out in nature. Find out more and listen to the community story at www.intameside.co.uk/discoverchadwickdam

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