Secret Lake Stories is a soundwork created by sound designer and composer Emily Zurowski, recorded on and around a small, enclosed body of water known locally as the Secret Lake, on the border of Levenshulme and Reddish in Greater Manchester. Largely hidden from surrounding streets and reached by footpaths through scrub and woodland, the lake sits within a patchwork of former industrial land, housing, railway edges and informal green space.

The piece is centred on the voices of people who know the lake well and spend time there: walkers, neighbours and those who return to it regularly. Their reflections, memories and observations are interwoven with field recordings made at the site, capturing water movement, birdsong and distant human activity.

The lake itself originated as part of an industrial-era water system, later falling out of use and gradually becoming rewilded. Over time it has developed into a quiet, unofficial local landmark, shaped as much by neglect and chance as by design.

Best experienced on headphones.

1. Composed and created by Emily Zurowski
2. Produced for Levenshulme Old Library
3. Executive producer - Richard V. Hirst
4. Recorded on location in 2025 at the Secret Lake

To find out more, visit levenshulmeoldlibrary.org.uk.