Nature Recovery For All

Background

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has developed the first draft of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Greater Manchester.

This new strategy aims to address the biodiversity crisis and improve access to nature, ensuring space for wildlife to thrive and communities to enjoy the natural environment.

While conservation efforts have long been underway across the region, this is the first unified strategy of its kind. It incorporates vital mapping data to identify areas most in need of attention.

Groundwork’s Contribution

As an environmental and community charity with over 35 years of experience in Greater Manchester, Groundwork has been actively involved in shaping the strategy.

Through workshops, steering groups, and one-on-one discussions, we’ve shared:

  • Details of past, current and plans for future habitat restoration projects.
  • Findings from recent site surveys and project outcomes.
  • Feedback and insights from local communities.

For example:

  • Through the Medlock Valley Nature Partnership we have identified a number of different places where habitats could be restored and improved, both for nature and for local communities.
  • The Our River, Our City initiative highlighted the need for urgent action, community involvement, and a mix of small and large-scale projects.
  • Work with local farmers has demonstrated where nature-based solutions could be installed to help mitigate climate change and create more spaces for nature.

Public Engagement

The draft strategy is now open for public feedback with residents, community groups, businesses, and farmers all encouraged to share their views.

At Groundwork, we believe local knowledge is essential for success. Community members often have unique insights about wildlife in their local area that no organisation can replicate. Have you noticed changes in the birds that you see in your garden or local park? What key spaces in Manchester do you think should be prioritised to help nature nature flourish?

If you’d like to contribute or review the strategy, please submit your response by 31 January 2025 at the link below:

Local Nature Recovery Strategy Public Consultation

Upcoming Drop-in Events

In addition, GMCA are hosting a number of in-person events where residents can learn more or share feedback:

  • Wigan: Town Hall Atrium, 18 Nov, 1–4 PM
  • Rochdale: Number One Riverside, 19 Nov, 12–4 PM
  • Manchester: Central Library, 20 Nov, 11 AM–3 PM
  • Stockport: Town Hall, 22 Nov, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
  • Oldham: Spindles Shopping Centre, 26 Nov, 1–4 PM
  • Salford: Civic Centre, Swinton, 29 Nov, 1–5 PM
  • Salford: The Lowry Centre, 9 Dec (as part of The Green Summit)
  • Tameside: Library Community Room, 4 Dec, 11 AM–3 PM
  • Trafford: Sale Library, 6 Jan 2025, 11 AM–2 PM
  • Bolton: Moss Bank Café, 7 Jan 2025, 10 AM–1 PM
  • Bury: Mill Gate Shopping Centre, 8 Jan 2025, 1–4 PM
Read more about our vision for nature in GM