Sustainable Living in the Heatons

Hedge Maintenance
2025-09-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-15 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Priestnall Allotments Hedge
Hedge maintenance session. We’ll be clearing the path running alongside this ancient hedge, weeding around the hedge, threading the branches and picking up litter. Come and join us to take part, or have a chat about what we are doing. Wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves and bring gloves if you have them, although we will come with equipment.
We usually have a break around 11am – tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided!
The hedge is between Priestnall allotments and the recreation field, on the lane that links Trentham Avenue (SK4 3QD) and Mersey Road. All welcome.

Friends of Darley Street Task Day
2025-09-20 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-08-16 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-07-19 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-06-21 10:30 - 12:30 | Darly Street, Heaton Norris
Darley Street is a beautiful community garden that can be enjoyed by all.
Our Friends group meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
Darley Street is situated at in the heart of the Heaton Norris conservation area, at the junction of Green Lane and Alexandra Road close to the Nursery pub.

Heatons Repair Café
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-19 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-06-21 10:00 - 12:00 | St Paul’s, St Paul's Church, St Paul's Road, Stockport, Greater Manchester, SK4 4RY, United Kingdom
Join volunteers from across the Heatons for our new repair café!

How does it work?

Repair cafés are run by volunteers — people who have specific skills that they would like to share with the local community. These skills may include sewing or repairs to furniture/wood, bikes, garden tools and small electrical items. There is also a need for volunteers with “meet and greet” skills for managing the tea, coffee and cake! Repair cafés operate once a month for a period of two hours.

Is there a charge?

No, the repairs are free, although donations are welcome to help build the stock of tools and materials.
Do you know anyone who might be interested in volunteering? Repairs will include household objects, bicycles, clothing, mechanical devices and woodworking repairs. Any skill you may have to repair things, whatever it is, we would love to hear about it. If you can help or would like to know, more email info@slheatons.org

Heaton Mersey Village Garden Maintenance Session
2025-09-14 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-08-10 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-07-13 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-06-08 10:30 - 12:30
Come and join Heaton Mersey Village Gardeners for a task day at Heaton Mersey Village Garden! There is lots of information about this space in our blog. Contact us via info@slhheatons.org for more information about what we do or feel free to drop by the Village Garden in person. We still meet even during winter months, although the task day is weather permitting.

Monthly Meeting
2025-09-06 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-02 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-05 10:30 - 12:00, 2025-06-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Patio Room, Heaton Moor United Church, Stanley Rd SK4 4HL, Patio Room, Heaton Moor United Church, Stanley Rd, SK4 4HL
The SLH monthly meetings are on the first Saturday of the month from 10.30am to 12.00 noon. Our meetings are held at the Patio Room, Heaton Moor United Church, Stanley Rd SK4 4HL. The room has direct access from the car park and has a shared kitchen and toilets very close to the room. Hot drinks will be provided for everyone.
Everyone is welcome to our meeting. Contact info@slheatons.org if you have questions. We use the time to discuss and plan our activities, and have occasional guest speakers. Everyone is welcome. Do come and meet us!

A Ride out to Godley Turntable along the Trans Pennine Trail
2025-08-30 10:00 - 15:00 | Thornfield Park, Thornfield Road, SK4 3JT
This is a mostly off-road route along the Trans Pennine Trail to Godley Turntable near Hyde. Return could be along the same route, or along the Peak Forest Canal and NCN55. It is organised by Sustainable Living in the Heatons.
Visit the site of a railway turntable! The Godley railway turntable was used to switch freight locomotives from electric to diesel on the Sheffield to Liverpool branch line from the 1930s to the 1960s, when the line was closed. It subsequently became overgrown until a team of Sustrans volunteers recently restored it. Hopefully some of the restoration team will be there to meet us on the day.
Our route drops down to the Trans Pennine Trail by the River Mersey, before going through Stockport Town Centre to pick up the Trail once more by the River Tame. We then head up through Reddish Vale Park to the visitor centre, then climb up through the park to Haughton Dale. We then ride along the wooded banks of the River Tame for a couple of miles, before picking up the old ‘Godley Apethorn’ branch line, now a tarmaced cycle path. The turntable is at the end of this path a couple of miles further down. We return via the same route, or alternatively via Peak Forest Canal if riders prefer.
This event is designed for families. You can book your place here.
The Route: is perfect for riders of all skill levels and is mostly on gravel or tarmac cycle paths. There are a few main roads to cross, and there are 2 short steep sections where you may find it easier to get off and push. The gravel tracks can be rough in parts and we recommend at least 28mm tyres. Electric bikes and trailers are welcome.
The Scenery: The countryside on the TPT at this point is very pretty, mostly wooded trials running alongside the river.
Bring: Please bring a roadworthy bike, a drink and a picnic lunch. There will be an opportunity for refreshments at Reddish Vale visitor centre at 4 miles.
Weather: Please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. We ride rain or shine!

Bike Friday
2025-08-29 07:45 - 09:00, 2025-07-25 07:45 - 09:00, 2025-06-27 07:45 - 09:00, 2025-05-30 07:45 - 09:00
Join members of the SLH team who help to lead this great event from Manchester Friends of the Earth.
Bike Friday is exactly what it says on the tin: A bike ride on the last Friday of every month. We set off from Heaton Chapel train station at 7.45am and lead on a route heading into Manchester City Centre.
The ride is on quiet routes and are suitable for everyone — from the regular commuter, to the first timer wanting to try a new way of getting into work.

Heaton Mersey Village Garden Maintenance Session
2025-08-26 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-07-22 10:30 - 12:30, 2025-06-24 10:30 - 12:30
Come and join Heaton Mersey Village Gardeners for a task day at Heaton Mersey Village Garden! There is lots of information about this space in our blog. Contact us via info@slhheatons.org for more information about what we do or feel free to drop by the Village Garden in person.

Lovely Family-Friendly Bike Ride to Clayton Vale via Phillips Park and Manchester Velodrome
2025-07-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Thornfield Park, Thornfield Road, SK4 3JT
This is one of longer bike rides organised by Sustainable Living in the Heaton this season, and takes us to places that our rides have never visited before! We hope that many of you will join us for this ride of about 16 miles, much of it off road or on quiet urban streets.
Our endpoint is Clayton Vale, a Local Nature Reserve and a great place to enjoy woodland and walks along the river Medlock, cycling, picnicking or pond dipping. We’ll get there by going east along the Fallowfield Loop, via Phillips Park, opened in 1846 as one of the world’s first municipal parks, and also calling into the Manchester Velodrome, known as “the home of British cycling”.
Bring a picnic to eat at Clayton Vale, plenty of water in case it’s hot, and clothes to fit the weather.
You can book your place here.

Bike Ride To Trafford Ecology Park
2025-07-20 10:00 - 16:00
Join us for a one-off cycling adventure that’s a real treat for nature lovers and urban explorers alike. This is SLH’s very first ride to Trafford Ecology Park—and it’s not just any park visit. We’ve got special access on a day it’s normally closed, all thanks to the team at Groundwork who care for this hidden gem in the heart of Trafford Park.
What’s waiting for you?
– A lovely 11-acre haven featuring tranquil woodland and a peaceful lake, tucked away in an industrial landscape. Chalk and cheese.
– A chance to wander through nature, spotting wildlife and enjoying the serenity that’s usually reserved for the working week.
– A relaxed picnic lunch, so bring your favourite snacks and chill out among the trees.
Ride Details
– Meet at 10am in Thornfield Park, Heaton Moor.
– The round trip is approximately 20 miles, mainly flat—ideal for all riders.
– We’ll cruise along scenic off-road paths and quiet roads, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
– Back by 4pm, with plenty of stories and a phone full of photos.
And a little touch of SLH history—some of the timber from the Ecology Park’s old boardwalks now helps grow new life in raised beds at School Lane and St Pauls. It’s all about community, connection, and the joy of getting out there.
So, saddle up and don’t miss out on a Sunday adventure that’s as local as it is lush. Let’s make this ride one to remember.
Book you place here: https://app.tickettailor.com/events/sustainablelivingintheheatons/1772205

Fun-Filled Family Bike Ride to Heaton Mersey Common!
2025-06-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Thornfield Park, Thornfield Road, SK4 3JT
Organised by Sustainable Living in the Heatons, this is the bike ride to come on with the kids! We have all been watching how the new cycling and walking paths on the common have taken shape and we are hoping the paths will all be finished soon. This will be the chance for us all to explore them safely and to check out how they help us all to enjoy the common. Even new bike-riders will have fun on this ride which we will lead around the common, and there will always be the opportunity for families to peel off for a rest at any time. We’ll stop for a drink and a snack in the big central grassed area, and there will even be a game of rounders for anyone who is interested and want to burn off some extra energy!
This bike ride is the shortest of the season, at just 3 miles maximum. Everyone is welcome. You can book your place here.
