[1] The valley and the surrounding Saddleworth Moor are designated as 'Open Access' land for the public, following the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The upper Greenfield Valley is part of the Dark Peak SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest).

[3][4] The RSPB operates Dove Stone Nature Reserve in the valley, which includes old quarry cliffs that are home to peregrine falcons.

[1] The Ashton under Lyne, Stalybridge and Dukinfield Waterworks Joint Committee's reservoir scheme began in the Greenfield Valley in 1870.

Spruce and pine plantations are found in the lower valley and broad-leaved trees have been introduced to provide a more diverse habitat.

The vacant mansion and its estate were bought in 1897 by the waterworks board, which allowed it to be used as a Red Cross hospital for wounded soldiers during World War I.