From community groups and charities to businesses and schools, we believe that everyone has a role to play in helping nature recovery across Greater Manchester. We’ll be shining a spotlight on the passionate individuals who are already leading the way – our Local Nature Champions.
Chris Lightfoot is a volunteer with Friends of Reddish Vale.
Tell us about your project.
I volunteer with Friends of Reddish Vale. There used to be 8 employees at the park, and now down to just 1. As a result, many areas have been neglected and fallen into disrepair. It backs onto the Brinnington estate, an area facing high levels of social deprivation. Whilst this green space was close, much of it looked like a jungle and was used as a communal tip. There was grass, weeds and bramble blocking the access gate. As a group of 6 we went to remove rubbish and see how much we could clear with a lawn mower.
We started to adopt places and turn them into nice spots by maintaining them. We could see the potential of this green space. Whilst I don’t know much about nature we wanted to bring back green space for local people so that they can benefit from it. It’s taken a lot of time but it looks great and we get amazing feedback.
Near the high-rise flats on Penny lane we’ve maintained the grassland opposite the flats and worked in the Penny meadow fields. 2 years ago, we helped to plant trees through the Queen Elizabeth tree corridor initiative. We’ve put in planters, benches and bins, and cut the overgrowth back. Now people sit at the bench and play in the area.
How did you first get involved in nature recovery?
I’ve volunteered locally for many years at the Red Cross, MRI and Friends of Reddish Vale. During the pandemic I’d go to Reddish Vale every day to help the manager. For months us 2 worked across the 400 acres. Slowly after the pandemic, volunteers returned.
What do you think nature offers Greater Manchester?
We’ve seen first-hand the benefit that these green spaces bring local communities. In this area there are people living in high rises with small children. Residents love it and join in too, children come and play and they help with litter picking. We know many by name.
Why do you think it’s important more people get involved in nature?
Although I volunteer for the benefits it brings me, there are also benefits for others health as seen through green prescribing. It makes me feel good and gives me the opportunity, to socialise, have a laugh, work with others, exercise and use up some energy whilst doing something worthwhile.
It also provides benefits for locals, whom we form relationships with. They offer us brews so it works for everyone. It’s good for us and good for local communities!
Volunteers are such a key resource- groups of people that are very knowledgeable and can provide man power.
What do you think is the single greatest priority for nature recovery in Greater Manchester?
We’ve seen through our project the importance of and need for more education, such as signage, educational resources and activities. We’ve got 400 acres, it’s the heart of the town and people come from far and wide to spend time here. So we want it to be accessible, engaging and informative. People could learn about the wildlife living there, the plants, flowers and trees. It’s an open-air classroom!
And if time and resources weren’t an issue, how would you address that priority?
We’ve got two orchards we’re trying to look after with limited knowledge and resources. We’d love to make apple picking at harvest time into a social thing. It would also prevent food waste. We’d also like to make space for allotments to allow for local food production, giving residents access to a growing area.
Find out more about our plan for nature recovery
Greater Manchester is currently developing its Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which will set out a blueprint for a more liveable city-region, with fairer access to green space for all.
Find out more including ways to get involved on our nature recovery webpage.