Boggart Hole Clough facts for kids

Boggart Hole Clough fishing pond

Boggart Hole Clough is a big park and woodland in Blackley, a part of Manchester, England. It covers about 76 hectares (that's like 188 football fields!). This park is an old woodland with beautiful cloughs. A clough is a local word for a steep, wooded valley. In 2008, Boggart Hole Clough became a special Local Nature Reserve.

A Place for Important Meetings

For many years, Boggart Hole Clough was a popular spot for people to gather and talk about important issues.

Free Speech and Protests

• In 1896, the Manchester City Council bought the land.
• They tried to stop people from holding these open-air meetings.
• The council even tried to fine the speakers.
• But the speakers didn't give up! They refused to pay the fines.
• This made more and more people interested in the meetings.
• Soon, thousands of people came to listen.
• Even famous people like Keir Hardie visited the park.

Women's Rights Demonstration

• On July 15, 1906, a huge event for women's rights took place here.
• About 15,000 people gathered to support women's right to vote.
• A well-known campaigner, Elizabeth Clarke Wolstenholme Elmy, was there.
• She even wrote about her experience at the event.

Fun Activities at the Park

Boggart Hole Clough is a great place for many activities today.

Sports and Events

• The park hosts cross-country running races.
• You can also enjoy mountain bike rides here.
• During the summer, there are fun days for everyone.
• Every year, the park has a bonfire and firework display.
• It also has places for boating and athletics.

Famous Visitors

• Fred Eyre, a former Manchester City football player, grew up near the park.
• He wrote about his childhood memories of Boggart Hole Clough in his book.

What's in a Name?

The name "Boggart Hole Clough" is quite unique!

The Legend of the Boggart

• Some people say the park is haunted by a "boggart."
• A boggart is a mischievous spirit.
• These spirits are often found in places like Lancashire and Yorkshire.
• Perhaps this old story helps explain the park's unusual name!

Awards and Nature

Boggart Hole Clough is a well-loved and important natural area.

Green Flag Award

• In 2008, the park won the Green Flag Award.
• This award recognizes excellent parks and green spaces.
• Boggart Hole Clough had won this award for eight years in a row!

Boggart Hole Brook

• A small stream called Boggart Hole Brook starts in the clough.