Harpurhey Reservoirs are a series of former mill ponds, which date from the time of the “Turkey Red Dyeing”, which took place around North Manchester.

The district of Harpuhey was named in the early 14th Century after William Harpur who enclosed land which was part of Blackley Forest. At that time the forest was a pleasant and fertile land watered by the river Irk.

In 1780 Robert Andrew of Manchester moved to Harpurhey and purchased 24 acres of land. Andrew began “Turkey Red Dyeing” in the 1790s. This proved to be a highly successful business and the Andrews became the dominant landowner in Harpurhey, renting out land alongside the River Irk to other dye factory owners.

For a number of years the area enjoyed economic prosperity but by the early 20th century de-industrialisation meant that the majority of factories were derelict. With little economic prosperity in the area, physical and social decline began. The ponds were left with a legacy of pollution and litter.

Today, the ponds are a haven for a large array of wildlife. The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit said of the site:

‘It is fantastic to know that so close to areas where a lot of people live, you can be lucky enough to see the blue-green flash of a kingfisher or watch coots nest-building”