Clifton Country Park and Wet Earth Colliery

Who we are

Situated in the Irwell Valley, Clifton Country Park encompasses 48 hectares of beautiful countryside in the heart of the city with open woodland, meadows and lakeside walks. Clifton is also home to the industrial remains of The Wet Earth Colliery. Established around 1740, the colliery was one of the first deep mines to be sunk in the Irwell Valley and is of importance for three main reasons. It was the first deep mine to be sunk in the valley and had the first application of steam winding in the area. Secondly, compared to most other pits, it had a very long working life of almost 180 years from around 1750 through to 1928. Finally, James Brindley developed an ingenious hydraulic pumping scheme for the colliery which was in continuous use from 1756 to just before the colliery closed. There is lots to explore here including an engine shed, wheel chamber, penstock arch, Fletchers Folly, fan house and a workers cottage. Mainly aimed at KS2 pupils this site explores Salford’s industrial heritage. Pupils are encouraged to use their imagination and look for clues from the remains on the site to build up a picture of what life would have been like. Also on site is part of the Irwell Valley Sculpture trail, featuring modern sculptures that respond to and interpret the location and its history. There is limited access to the site by coach due to a low bridge, but children usually walk down from the nearby road. There are toilets available on site and a space in the visitors centre for pupils to eat lunch.