Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will act as a roadmap for how we tackle the biodiversity emergency and improve access to nature across the city-region over the next decade. A key part of this strategy is to set out how we can help nature recover by identifying priorities for different habitats. In this blog series we want to introduce some of our draft priorities for the GM LNRS.
The priorities in the LNRS are the long-term outcomes that we all need to work towards for both habitats and species. Delivering on these priorities will help nature recover. The draft habitat priorities developed for the strategy are intended to benefit many local species, while also delivering wider social and economic benefits – such as increased carbon storage and reduced flood risk.
Our draft GM LNRS sets out priorities for the following habitats:
1) Urban green spaces and buildings
2) Woodlands, trees, scrub and hedgerows
3) Rivers, canals and waterbodies
4) Lowland mosslands and wetlands
5) Grasslands, farmlands and lowland heath
6) Upland moorlands
We will be asking for feedback on these draft priorities during our public consultation from 15 November 2024.
Our grasslands, farmlands and lowland heath
Our fifth blog focuses on grasslands, farmlands and lowland heath habitats. These habitats cover an estimated 30% of land in the city region and are key in aiding nature recovery.
The vast majority of Greater Manchester’s grasslands has been heavily altered from their natural state by a wide variety of different land uses. Those species-rich grasslands that do remain are predominantly found in nature reserves but also areas such as road verges, churchyards and urban brownfield sites. These remaining habitats are often fragmented, making it difficult for specialist grassland species, such as orchids, barn owls and grasshoppers, to thrive.
Our semi-natural grassland habitats and lowland heaths should be considered some of the most threatened habitats in Greater Manchester. To act for nature, action that could help includes enhancing, restoring and better connecting remaining semi-natural grasslands, so that they can support more wildlife. Taking action on grassland habitats can also help build resilience to climate change and provide more natural spaces for recreation and leisure for communities.
Setting out clear priorities for nature recovery across this habitatwill help communicate how we can all take action to enhance these spaces for nature and people.
Draft nature recovery priorities for grassland, farmland and lowland heath
The Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy outlines the following draft priorities for grassland, farmland and lowland heath:
– Species-rich and semi-natural grasslands and lowland heath are safeguarded, well-managed and restored
– More species-rich grasslands and lowland heath created, particularly where they will connect existing habitats
– More urban meadows, with native wildflower species and longer grasses
– More dedicated spaces for wildlife integrated into farmland and buildings, alongside food production
– More biodiverse farmland, with healthier soils, better water management and fewer intensively managed areas
These priorities will help guide nature recovery, supporting species such as grasshoppers, orchids and barn owls.
Taking action on these priorities
Each priority is accompanied by several practical actions that will positively contribute towards delivering these priorities. Everyone can play a role in taking action to deliver on these priorities, even the smallest actions can add up to make space for nature to thrive.
Examples of actions to support grassland, farmland and lowland heath priorities:
– Identify and safeguard remaining notable semi-natural grassland
– Reduce soil erosion and encourage soil recovery
– Support and collaborate with farmers, landowners and managers
Hear more about our priorities
We want to make sure our plan for nature reflects the views of residents and businesses right across Greater Manchester, from city and town dwellers to those living in rural areas.
Keep an eye out for upcoming blogs on priorities for all our habitats across Greater Manchester and sign up for our GM Green City Newsletter to stay updated about our upcoming public consultation.
Please note that the priorities and practical actions outlined in this blog are draft versions and may change following our public consultation.
