THERE is a new adventurous way to enjoy ‘a hidden gem’ in Tameside like never before.
Chadwick Dam is nestled between Stamford Park boating lake in Stalybridge and Tameside Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Ten new story walks and signs have been created by the local community and artists for people of all ages to explore.
The local community have been working with artists and social enterprise Ridgehill Enterprises through a series of projects, organised by the council using funding via the Mayor’s Challenge Fund.
Last year, Mossley-based street artist Simon Mounds worked with students from Tameside College’s Aspirations cohort over eight weeks to turn a storage container at the scenic spot into a masterpiece.
Children from nearby schools Silver Springs Primary Academy and Inspire Academy have now collaborated with local storyteller Simon Sullivan to write and record six imaginative ‘Tales of Chadwick Dam’.
Locally-based 2 Boards & A Passion theatre company also co-created story walks for wellbeing with Performing Arts students at Ashton Sixth Form College. They also record reminiscence story walks with Chatty Cafe friends at St George’s in Stalybridge – some of whom are almost 90 years old – capturing childhood memories of post-war Tameside.
New way-finding signs have been created by the children and older people’s drawings and paintings, inspired by their story walks, local wildlife and things you will find at Chadwick Dam – which is a Bee Network walking and cycling route and accessible path.
Councillor Taf Sharif, Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “The story walks offer a really brilliant way for everyone to rediscover our local nature, enjoy the great outdoors and stay active.
“The artwork has helped revitalise the local site and I would encourage everyone whatever their age to take the opportunity to get out and explore our local countryside and green spaces as spring approaches.”
The story walks can be listened to by scanning the QR code when there or go online before to www.intameside.co.uk/discoverchadwickdam