NT Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate

25/07/2026

24/07/2026

💦 As part of our ‘Slow the Flow’ project, in collaboration with United Utilities, we’re building a number of dams across the moor, farmland and woodland areas.

🪵 Here Dillon from Aitch Conservation and National Trust Ranger Olly, after a bit of persuasion, agreed to be filmed so you can see the process of building a timber storm dam from start to finish.

👀 Enjoy!

23/07/2026

📣 Did you see us last night on BBC NW Tonight?

💦 We featured in a piece about how our team, in collaboration with United Utilities, are helping to reduce flood risk by installing a range of ‘leaky dams’ across the Stubbins Estate in the Upper Irwell catchment.

👩‍🎓 Great to see our university students involved, monitoring environmental changes and assessing the long-term impacts of the work.

Watch here 👀

07/07/2026

The National Trust and United Utilities have joined forces on a project which aims to improve water quality in the River Irwell and its tributaries, by using natural flood management techniques to ‘slow the flow’ of water.

Together with our contractors Aitch Conservation, works have started on the installation of a range of ‘leaky dams’ across Stubbins Estate.

These dams aim to capture high-velocity water runoff from intense rainfall, which is then stored temporarily before gradually being released, reducing the risk of flooding further downstream.

These interventions are an extension of our previous restoration works which aims to mitigate climate change, support farming and improve habitats across our moor, farms and woodland areas.

Find out more about the ‘Slow the Flow’ project here https://bit.ly/4oIlXU6

01/06/2026

💚 It’s National Volunteers’ Week, so we’d like to thank all of the amazing volunteers who help us look after this special place. Thank you for your time, passion, knowledge, and dedication. We couldn’t do it without you 💚

13/02/2026

❤️ Why we love soggy winter bogs! ❤️

🌿 A wet moorland is vital because they act as one of the planet's most effective natural tools for carbon storage, water management, and biodiversity protection. 🐦‍⬛

🌧️ Most might moan about the recent heavy rain, but Holcombe Moor is loving it. 🌧️

13/02/2026

It was great to invite Officers from GMP up on Holcombe Moor to show a united front on how we’re working together to tackle wildlife and rural crime - including illegal off-road vehicle use.

| Yesterday, our Wildlife Subject Matter Expert and volunteer Wildlife Officers from GMP joined rangers and volunteers on to strengthen our growing partnership in protecting this important landscape.

Following recent criminal damage on the moor, the visit helped officers learn more about the area’s rare wildlife, fragile habitats, and the challenges faced by those who care for it.

Rangers guided teams across key routes and explained how damage affects this Site of Special Scientific Interest, helping officers respond more effectively to future incidents.

Our Wildlife Officers volunteer their own time to build trusted relationships with land managers and rural communities, and we remain committed to tackling wildlife and rural crime — including illegal off‑road vehicle use.

If you see suspicious activity, including off‑road bikes or quads on the moor, please report it. Every report helps us protect this unique environment.

Read more: https://orlo.uk/lY8dm
Contact us on 101, LiveChat or 999 in an emergency.

14/01/2026

The restored peatland at Holcombe Moor provides many benefits for local communities and wildlife. Unfortunately this delicate and protected ecosystem is being threatened by criminal damage caused by off-road vehicles on the moorland.

If you see any anti-social behaviour of this kind, please contact us.

Wildlife Officer, PC 07614 PC Elliott visited The National Trust on Holcombe Moor in relation to a report of Criminal Damage.

A number of off-road vehicles (pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles, quad bikes and motorcycles) have been causing damage by driving through the Bull Hill area of Holcombe Moor. This particular area has a footpath which is not typically accessible by vehicle. The cost of the damage to this area is estimated to have been in the region of £25,000.

The staff at The National Trust have put 5 years of hard work and determination into the conservation of this particular area - this has been ruined by the actions of a small number of people. We have been given a number of positive lines of enquiry and have already visited a nearby resident in relation to this incident. We will continue to work with The National Trust moving forward.

This is a direct message to those using this area for recreational off-road use. We do not tolerate criminal damage and we will pursue all lines of enquiry.

Please be more considerate and find an alternative, legal route.

Bury Policing Team

31/12/2025

❤️ As the sun sets on 2025, we’d like to thank everyone for your support this year.

👉 With lots planned for 2026, here’s to another exciting year ahead.

🎉 Happy New Year!!

25/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from the National Trust team here on Holcombe Moor.

🙏 We hope you enjoy the festive period, and as always thank you for your support.