Stockport Council funding gets walkers out on Mirrlees Fields

Hospital staff, patients and the community who live near Mirrlees Fields can get walking thanks to Stockport Council funding and Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM). 

Mirrlees Fields is one of Stockport’s many green spaces situated between Woodsmoor and Hazel Grove.

The Mirrlees Fields Friends Group (MFFG) secured funding to upgrade benching and signage facilities. Maps have also been produced to help walkers navigate their way around the fields.

Map of Mirrlees Fields

The friends group also worked with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Stockport Council’s Public Health team and Bracondale Medical Practice to set up regular health walks

David Gosling, from the Mirrlees Fields Friends Group said:

“The TFGM Active Travel grant gave us a great incentive to engage with staff at Stepping Hill Hospital and with local residents. The walks were enjoyed by all and there was a good turn-out each week. There is also a long-term legacy of benches, signage and maps that will encourage more people to discover the pleasures of walking on the delightful Mirrlees Fields.”

Jan Sinclair, who works at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and community NHS services said:

“The Mirrlees Project has opened up a great opportunity for staff at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust by enabling them to be more physically active at lunchtime. The initial 6 week walk programme has now progressed into regular Wednesday Walks.”

Councillor Tom McGee, Stockport Council’s Cabinet member for Health said:

“The Mirrlees Fields Walking Project is an excellent example of how organisations and community groups can work together to improve opportunities for people to be more active within their own community. Regular walking can support you to live a healthier life by helping to maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage various health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, as well as promoting positive mental wellbeing.”

Find out more about Mirrlees Fields 

Find out more about ways to get walking in Stockport and Greater Manchester or visit TfGM

If there are any community groups who are interested in delivering a similar project register your interest:  

walking@tfgm.com (For walking projects)

cycling@tfgm.com (For cycling projects)