Kersal Dale is looking in a bit of a state after the winds of Storm Eleanor whipped through it at the start of the year.

Both wind and water damage have taken further toll on the area. A fallen tree has blocked the steps leading down towards the river and, in some places muddy banks have slipped away in parts as rain water has loosened the earth. 

At the same time, existing issues have been made worse. The enormous hole which appeared in October 2017 has still not been repaired, part of the protective fence surrounding it having now fallen down. The water which runs down Radford Street and which has created deep gullets in the entrance to Kersal Dale has now eroded some of the steps leading down into the park completely, making for a wet and muddy walk.

Now that the flood-damaged boardwalks have been removed, Kersal Dale could benefit from investment and care, something which the Friends of Kersal Dale group continues to push for, working with Salford Council and other partners.

​If you'd like to get involved too, meeting dates are here. 

When the River Irwell broke its banks during the floods back in 2015, some of the walkways which had been created to provide pathways throughout Kersal Dale were destroyed. Some were swept away entirely whilst some were badly damaged.

Since then, the condition of the surviving wooden paths has worsened, subject to vandalism and no maintenance. 

Work has now started by Salford Council to remove these dangerous boardwalks, a move welcomed by the Friends of Kersal Dale who have been encouraging this activity in order to make the areas affected safer for walkers.

However, no firm plans exist as yet to replace the walkways like for like, but the council continues to be supportive of the notion to create accessible walkways and spaces for visitors to Kersal Dale. 

There are plenty of clues when you walk through Kersal Dale that hint at the rich history of the area. Some of the pathways are lined with broken brickwork and fallen stonemasonry. Much of this is from the grand houses which once sat within the Dale, providing fascinating evidence of what the area once looked like.

There's even an ornamental pond hidden within Kersal Dale which is sadly in much need of care and restoration. 

Do you know the history of Kersal Dale? Read about it and see images from the past here.

Here are the dates of forthcoming meetings of the Friends of Kersal Dale group:
- 20 Nov 2017
- 18 Dec 2017 (Christmas do)
- 29 Jan 2018
- 26 Feb 2018
- 16 Apr 2018
- 4 Jun 2018
- 17 Jul 2018 (AGM)
All meetings are called for 6:30pm
If you'd like to come along, just email us in advance and let us know or turn up on the night.

Sunday 20 August saw a group of volunteers clearing some of the land at the Radford Street entrance to Kersal Dale of invasive Himalayan Balsam, which has taken over some areas of the woodland.

Adults, kids and a couple of dogs joined the fun which has made a huge difference to the previously overgrown area.

Whilst volunteer days are a great way of keeping on top of issues like this, the Friends of Kersal Dale continue to work closely with Salford Council to try to ensure that the site gets the maintenance it needs on an ongoing basis.