This article was taken from a page on the Tameside Council website for research and reference purposes.
Werneth Low Country Park
‘To be kept forever as an open space’ – The Dedication of 1921
Werneth Low Country Park spans 80 hectares (200 acres) across the Northern and Western slopes of Werneth Low, offering a blend of natural beauty and tranquillity that is just 9.5 miles from the bustling centre of Manchester. The park serves as a haven for a variety of wildlife and is a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking relaxation. Its elevated location provides stunning panoramic views, which stretch across Manchester to Liverpool, and on a clear day, even the distant Welsh mountains and nearby Pennine hills can be seen in the distance.
Getting to the Country Park
The nearest bus stop is in Gee Cross which is on the main A560 south of Hyde. Baron Road leads from here towards the Baron Fields entrance to the country park. On all roads approaching the Country Park keep a look out for the brown and white direction signs.
Car Parks
There are three car parks in the country park: The first is at Lower Higham, the second at the Quarry and the third is at Windy Harbour.
Please drive with caution along the narrow lanes that go through and beside the country park.
A Brief History
In 1920, following a public appeal, raising exactly £14,013, 14 shillings and 8 pennies, the War Memorial Committee of Hyde Borough Council made a momentous decision to purchase Lower Higham Farm and all its land. Following this purchase, a scheme was put forward to protect the land forever and for the health and well-being of the community. It is a lasting tribute to the 710 men from the local area who perished in The Great War of 1914 to 1918. On a site known as Hackingknife, for an amount of £2,000, Hyde’s main war memorial was officially unveiled on the 25th of June 1921. The land and farm are now held in trust by the Hyde War Memorial Trust.
During the late 1970s the former Greater Manchester Council, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and the Hyde War Memorial Trust agreed to establish Werneth Low Country Park and on the 9th of June 1980, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester officially declared the park open.
A joint management committee was created and continues to this day to govern country park matters.
Look at the Hyde War Memorial Trust website 
Lower Higham Visitor Centre
Lower Higham Visitor Centre is managed by the Hyde War Memorial Trust and the present building dates back to the 17th Century once the farmhouse of Lower Higham Estate. Archaeological work in the area suggested a building of much earlier origin stood on the site.
Inside the visitor centre, there are displays and exhibitions, leaflets and publications. The Café is currently being run by volunteers from the Hyde War Memorial Trust, and opening times can be found on their website Hyde WW1 Roll of Honour (hwmt.org)
Outside the visitor centre, and within the immediate area it is full of interest, including the orchard, herb gardens and croft picnic area.
Recreation in the Park
Recreation facilities available in Werneth Low Country Park include footpaths, horse riding and cycle routes, picnic areas, view finders, informal gardens, and at many locations seats are provided for visitors to rest and take time to appreciate this unique area.
The country park’s footpaths link with the wider network of rights of way in the surrounding countryside. The 40 mile Tameside Trail and the Trans Pennine Trail long distance route pass through the country park.
Wildlife in the Park
Around the country park the varied mixture of habitats is home to a range of wildlife. The flower rich hay meadows and dry heathland are particularly interesting to the plant lover or anyone who would do nothing more than relax in beautiful surroundings. In autumn, the wooded cloughs are especially colourful and in winter the Low is a marvellous place to observe the annual migration of wild geese. The country park really is a place to visit all year. During bird nesting season (Mid-March to end of July), we ask visitors to keep to the paths.
More about Werneth Low here.
Rachel Bakewell 