Improving Biodiversity in Rochdale

Groundwork have taken legal responsibility for 11.89 hectares of private land near Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale and will be working over the next 10-years to establish a diverse and rich woodland which will:

• Increase biodiversity and habitat diversity
• Improve water quality and reduce runoff to neighbouring watercourses by improving soil quality
• Improve air quality and sequester carbon, and providing a cooling effect through planting
• Enhance the landscape visually for residents & people using the adjacent public access routes

Our landscaping team have planted 8,800 native trees in 2023/24 year including; Oak, Birch, Aspen, Holly, Rowan, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, Juniper, Guelder Rose and Horse Chestnut.

We’ll be re-visiting the site to ensure its established and then delivering our woodland management plan, which our team will deliver, until 2034.

This approach will make it easier for the landowner to improve their land for environmental purposes, whilst securing a steady income.

Groundwork are keen to discuss similar projects with landowners across Greater Manchester, please contact GMfarmers@groundwork.org.uk for more details.