Friends of Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens

Gardens ⬩ Meadow ⬩ Woodland ⬩ River

Welcome to our park and gardens

Our very popular and historic Park and Gardens are situated in Didsbury, South Manchester. Dating from public use in 1915, The Friends of Fletcher Moss Park and Parsonage Gardens was formed in 2006 to ensure their upkeep. We lobby, and work alongside, Manchester City Council and lead volunteers who, amongst other activities, look after the horticulture.

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Awards & honours

PARSONAGE
GARDENS

RHS
It’s your Neighbourhood
Level 5 – Gold
2011-2023

FLETCHER
MOSS PARK

Britain In Bloom
Dena Murphy Award for Sustainability
Level 5 – Gold
2022

PARSONAGE
GARDENS

RHS
Special Award
Over 5 Consecutive Years of Gold Awards

HEATHER STEMP
(CHAIRPERSON)

RHS
Outstanding Contribution to North West in Bloom
2022

FLETCHER
MOSS PARK

Fields In Trust
Much Loved Park
2019

HEATHER STEMP
(CHAIRPERSON)

Manchester City Council
Blossoming Communities
2017

An intro to our park & gardens

Both sites have won numerous awards from the Royal Horticultural Society and Fields in Trust. They have been used as locations for several television programmes (Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Location, Location, Location, CBBC, amongst others) and they are favourite spots for photographers of plants and flowers. We aim to be the most sustainable park in Manchester and a lure for wildlife. There is easy access for walkers to the River Mersey. There is a very popular outdoor café at the park and coffee is availabe to purchase at The Parsonage.

A key feature in the park is that for 30 years The Croft was the home of Emily Williamson, co-founder of the RSPB. The Rockery was started by her husband Robert with alpine plants collected by them in the mountains of Europe. Fletcher Moss Park was once home to a a Botanical Garden, but cuts in Local Government funding mean that it can no longer be described as such. However, there are many interesting and rare trees and plants to see, especially in the Rockery. The Parsonage building, surrounded by the garden, is a popular art gallery, wellbeing activity centre and wedding venue. (didsburyparsonagetrust.org.uk)

We know there is much to do to improve aspects of Fletcher Moss Park so please look at Our Vision and Manchester Council’s Park Plan for both the Parsonage Gardens and Fletcher Moss Park and give us any feedback.

Before visiting or contacting us, please look at our FAQs. We hope you enjoy your visit. We welcome any feedback to either parks@manchester.gov.uk (for complaints) or via our contact form (for any other feedback).

Why visit our park & gardens?

Sustainability

Climate changes means we must look to providing plants which are resilient to both drought and flood! Not using compost containing peat, having perennial plants rather than annuals and not using chemicals helps to encourage wildlife and pollinators, both of which are at great risk but their survival is necessary for humans.

Wellness

There is a huge amount of research which proves that being in nature is excellent for both mental and physical health. Helping with gardening also reduces blood pressure and helps to concentrate on matters other than the list of your emails.

Exploration

Parsonage Garden has peace and quiet whilst the Park has a variety of environments from meadow to woods to gardens. Lots to explore both above ground and bug hunts in the soil and water. Both sites have histories going back at least 160 years plus geographical interest of the river and flood plain.

WORDS FROM OUR VISITORS

Based on 359 reviews

Megan C

12 April 2023

Wonderful gardens, a lovely walk Great gardens to walk round. Lots of different types of plants and environments . Cafe, toilet and bike racks available.

Amal999

13 March 2023

Lovely and well maintained place A must go place if you like gardening and growing plants. It is our favorite destination in summer time.

Phil Brito

19 February 2023

Relaxing gardens This is a park you can't miss if you're visiting Manchester. Perfect to relax and to have a super walk in a sunny day.

countryspotter

9 October 2022

Relaxing hidden place in manchester If you need to relax after busy days in manchester, dont miss this beeautiful garden. Amazing varieties of plants, trees and flowers.

Christian L

1 September 2022

Perle med mange nuancer 5 - Virkelig en lille oase og perle få minutter med tog og til bens fra Manchesters pulserende centrum. Nyd en kunstudstilling i anlægget lige op ad parken og en snack i cafeen inden turen går hjemad igen.

Christine P

30 June 2022

Little gem in Manchester This is a little gem in Manchester. Such a beautiful park kept in pristine condition by the lovely volunteers.There are lots of seating areas where you can sit and admire the glorious plants. Lots of different walks around the park for all abilities. Parsonage Gardens is another area of the park with beautiful planting all year round and a lovely area to sit and relax.

LadyatManor

25 June 2022

Birdsong, wind in the trees, relaxing Loved the collections of plants. I learnt so much from my visit and an excellent place to sit an relax. I wanted inspiration for my own garden projects and I certainly did. The sounds of birds and wind through the trees was glorious.

Cosmo

26 May 2022

Stunning all year round I love these gardens so much. perfect way to while away an hour or two. lovely place for a picnic or chilling out with a book. so well managed.