I found an interesting area behind the Central Retail Park on Gt Ancoats St yesterday. Igot onto the towpath of the Rochdale Canal where Gt Ancoats St crosses it and walked about 100m NE past one bridge. Just before the next bridge, some hoardings have been torn down adjoining the towpath and you can enter a large area of open rough ground in which a water feature consisting of a canalised lake has been built. About 10 Sand Martins were hunting there. Although there were stylised holes cut into the wooden sides of this "canal" hese had bolts set into them so weren't deep anough for the SMs. I bet Ringed/Little Rings PLovers and Lapwings had a go here this breeding season - it's all fenced off so isn't disturbed. Obviously it's going to be developed into something - but what? Worth a look if you work near there.