Happy Valley, Bramhall

This is the official Facebook page dedicated to this local beauty spot and nature reserve.

We think the 'Happy Valley' name originates from the late 1800’s early 1900’s. In this period many valleys, up and down the country, were named “Happy”. Like most of the other Happy Valleys, our valley was where people enjoyed happy picnics, away from their jobs in the mills or the local hall.

In 1999, Happy Valley became one of Stockport’s first Local Nature Reserves and is part of the Ladybrook Valley Interest Trail. It is a17-hectare valley, where the Ladybrook river ripples through the steep sloping hillsides of the ancient Great Reddish Woods and continues on, meandering past grassy fields dotted with wildflowers.

In Great Reddish Woods you will see the season’s palette of colours, from spring’s fresh greens and yellows, nature’s array of summer colours, through to autumn’s hues of gold and copper and the greys and blacks of winter.

It has been said that 140 species of birds can be found in the ‘Valley’, the striking kingfisher and elegant heron are just two. Foxes, badgers, moles, field mice and shrews are just a few of the mammals that call the ‘Valley’ home. The local frogs and newts have accepted the new wildlife pond, where on sunny summer days, dragonflies and damselflies give free demonstrations of their aerobatic skills.

A wide variety of Trees, Flowers and Shrubs make up the wooded hillsides of the Valley, from giant old oaks through to small young saplings, as well as some stunning flowers such as Marsh-marigold, snowdrop, yellow iris and ramsons.

Happy Valley is cared for by a volunteer group called the "Friends of Ladybrook Valley". In 1999, frustrated at seeing the declining state of Happy Valley, a small group of regular visitors got together to form FOLV. We may be a small group, but we are large in enthusiasm and determination! Since we started, Happy Valley has been transformed from a neglected, litter strewn ‘wasteland’ into a nature reserve, with ever increasing visitors. If you have not visited the ‘Valley’ for some time, you will be amazed at the improvements.

On our regular task days we invite the local community to help with projects, ranging from building a fence to pulling up invasive plants. Task days can be hard work, but are fun and you can make some great friends! New volunteers are always welcome to join our committee or to help on task days – there is no joining fee, just a passion for the future of the ‘Valley’ or a willingness to get your hands dirty.

HOW TO FIND HAPPY VALLEY

Happy Valley is in Bramhall, an area of Stockport, Cheshire. From Bramhall Village centre, follow the directions for Stockport. Turn right at the large roundabout, towards Hazel Grove. Take the first turning on the right – Valley Road - the Womanscroft entrance is on your left as you turn the corner. There is limited parking at this entrance.

The 307, 308, 377 and 378 buses stop nearby and the nearest train station is Bramhall.

Wheelchair users can access the ‘Valley’ via the Womanscroft Bridge and Headlands Road entrances and the bridge over the Ladybrook River has ramps.

Waterloo Road, Valley Road and Wallbank Road have steps.

The Jacksons Lane entrance has an unmade path.