Unsworth lies on high ground between two brooks running north to
Whittle Brook and the
River Roch, The reservation consists of woodland, marshland, open grassland (which is managed by cattle that roam the area), and
historic hedgerows.
Hollins Brook, a tributary of the River Roch, meanders through the valley and connects with "The Cut," a canal-like lodge popular with local
angling groups such as the Unsworth Anglers, before continuing west where it connects with Castle Brook and Whittle Brook. Hollins Vale contains two of Bury's fifty
Sites of Biological Importance, first granted in 1981 owing to its biodiversity. The first is a portion of Hollins Vale's grasslands, which is home to a diverse range of waterside plants. The second is Hollins Plantation, a historic woodland containing
bluebells,
lesser celandines,
wood speedwells,
wood anemones, and
violets. The reserve is also home to many species of wildlife such as
linnet,
reed bunting,
snipe and
grey partridge. The birds and small mammals attract predators such as
kestrel,
sparrowhawk,
buzzard,
tawny owl,
weasel and
stoat. Many species of
butterfly are part of the ecosystem as is an increasing
rabbit population. In the summer, significant populations of
dragonflies and
damselflies can be seen in the wetland areas. Recent construction efforts have, and continue to threaten the ecology of the nature reserve. Since the construction of the M66 motorway, the populations of
skylark,
lapwing and
hare have disappeared. As of 2020, plans are being developed by the local council to build 200 homes within 100m of the reservation, which may have further impacts on its ecology and biodiversity. The reserve houses multiple
walking trails, managed by Hollins Conservation Group. Although not all public footpaths are clearly defined, and there is no formal circular route, there are multiple routes available. The nature reserve is popular with locals, with the Conservation Group organising activity days such as the annual "Go Wild" event, encouraging locals to engage with their surroundings.
Unsworth Moss Unsworth Moss is a predominantly agricultural area of undulating terrain, containing several woodland blocks. The area that lies along the eastern edge of Unsworth, hedged by Hollins Brook, makes up the Moss, and is distinct from the rest of Unsworth in its relatively agricultural setting, compared to the predominantly residential use of land in the west of the village. Whittle Brook flows north west through Unsworth Moss, forming the wetland conditions which have caused peat to form around its bank. The brook is a defining feature of the undulating landscape of the moss. In a 2021 report, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority noted that the 'u-shaped valleys of the brook and associated vegetation form pleasant characteristic features in the landscape.' Multiple archeological investigations on Unsworth Moss have suggested the possibility of a medieval iron smelting site on Unsworth Moss, by the banks of Whittle Brook. ==Demography==