Kearsley Moss

Downs, Moorland in Lancashire

England

Kearsley Moss

Rotary Way Path along the old track-bed of the Bridgewater Collieries Railway. — Rotary Way Credit: Peter McDermott

Kearsley Moss is a vast expanse of moorland situated in Lancashire, England. Covering an area of approximately 2,000 acres, it is located in the Kearsley area, near the town of Bolton. The moss is surrounded by urban areas on all sides, including the towns of Farnworth, Little Lever, and Walkden.

This unique landscape is characterized by its flat, open terrain and the presence of various types of vegetation, including heather, grasses, and mosses. The area is also dotted with small ponds and wetlands, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.

Kearsley Moss has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. Archaeological finds in the area have included ancient tools, pottery, and burial mounds. The moss was historically used for peat extraction, which was an important fuel source in the past.

Today, Kearsley Moss serves as a popular recreational area, attracting visitors who enjoy walking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The moss is crisscrossed by a network of footpaths and bridleways, allowing visitors to explore the landscape and enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Overall, Kearsley Moss in Lancashire offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, making it a cherished asset for both locals and visitors alike.

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Kearsley Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.534373/-2.3762403 or Grid Reference SD7504. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rotary Way

Path along the old track-bed of the Bridgewater Collieries Railway.

Peter McDermott

Kearsley Social Club

'Affordable Housing' development on the site of the recently demolished Kearsley Social Club on Manchester Road.

Peter McDermott

Poppy Cascade, Ringley Old Bridge

Ringley Old Bridge is an ancient stone bridge that crosses the River Irwell, linking Ringley with Stoneclough. It has two large semi-circular arches and a third smaller arch on the west bank, for the towpath. Triangular cutwaters between main arches are carried up to form refuges in the plain parapet. Now used only as a footbridge over the Irwell, Ringley Bridge was once an important crossing point on the packhorse route from Bolton. The bridge was built in 1677 to replace an earlier, wooden bridge that had been swept away by a flood in 1673. It is a Grade II* listed building (Historic England List Entry Number: 1356800 Link

) and is scheduled as an ancient monument (List Entry Number: 1001957 Link

- see SD7605 : Sign on Ringley Bridge). This cascade of poppies was created using old plastic bottles which were cut up, painted and suspended from the cutwater on the southern side of the bridge in the run-up to Remembrance Day 2021 (Link

The Bolton News).

David Dixon

Poppy Memorial on Ringley Old Bridge

) and is scheduled as an ancient monument (List Entry Number: 1001957 Link

The Bolton News).

David Dixon

Lest We Forget

The British Legion standard flying over the poppy memorial on Ringley Old Bridge (SD7605 : Poppy Memorial on Ringley Old Bridge).

David Dixon

Poppy Cascade on Ringley Old Bridge

) and is scheduled as an ancient monument (List Entry Number: 1001957 Link

The Bolton News).

David Dixon

Ringley Old bridge, Poppy Cascade

) and is scheduled as an ancient monument (List Entry Number: 1001957 Link

The Bolton News).

David Dixon

River Irwell at Ringley Old Bridge

) and is scheduled as an ancient monument (List Entry Number: 1001957 Link

- see SD7605 : Sign on Ringley Bridge).

David Dixon

Leaving Kearsley

A Class 150 DMU 150118 on a service from Stalybridge to Southport.

Gerald England

Kearsley Station

Opened in 1838 by the Manchester and Bolton Railway, later part of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, this station was variously called "Ringley" and "Stoneclough" to 1848. It settled on "Stoneclough" from 1848 to 1894, then became "Kearsley & Stoneclough" to 1903, and has been called "Kearsley" since then.

Gerald England

Stoneclough Road

The A667 from Kearsley to Whitefield.

Gerald England

Stoneclough Road

The A667 from Whitefield passing under the Manchester to Bolton railway. Kearsley Station lies to the right of the bridge.

Gerald England

Hollands School

Former school SD7405 : Hollands School: Plaque, now a nursing home on Higher Market Street (A6053). The road forms the boundary between Kearsley (on the left) and Farnworth (on the right).

Gerald England