And Observer photographers have been visiting it for a variety of events ever since. Enjoy these picture reminiscences!
1. Famed botanist David Bellamy cuts the tape to launch the Greenslate wet meadows local nature reserve at Orrell Water Park
. Photo: Geoffrey Shryhane
2. A Community Event at St James's Club, Orrell, raised £5,000 for The Macmillan Cancer Support. Pictured is Grace Higgins, centre, who collected the cheque from (left) Anne Hurst, Kathleen McGuire and Edith Berry at Orrell Water Park
. Photo: JL
4. Pupils from Year three and Year four, all members of the gardening club at Newfold Community Primary School, Orrell, sow wild flowers, build and repair hedges, make bird feeders and take a look at the wildlife during a conservation day at Orrell Water Park and surrounding woodland.
. Photo: MA
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