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 essentially 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 rainwater storage and recreation opportunities.
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 lowland mosslands and wetlands
Our fourth blog focuses on lowland mosslands and wetlands habitats. Our lowlands wetlands and mosslands form a unique and diverse landscape of water, fen, wet grassland, wet woodland and lowland raised bog, offering a rich landscape for wildlife.
Many of these habitats have been converted to agriculture or lost to peat extraction. Reconnecting remaining areas of lowland raised bog and improving the surrounding hydrology of these areas could help them to thrive once again. These actions could also reduce carbon emissions from peat soils and provide more space for water storage, helping to reduce flood risk to nearby communities.
Lowland mosslands and wetlands also provide spaces for people to visit and enjoy, and improving access to them would encourage more people to engage with the cultural and natural heritage of these areas.
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 lowland mosslands and wetlands
The GM LNRS outlines the following draft priorities for lowland mosslands and wetlands:
– More lowland bogs, fens and other wetland habitats are restored and better managed for nature, able to store more water and emit less carbon
– Bigger mosslands and wetlands, with more habitat corridors and stepping stones reconnecting and expanding remaining habitats
– More of our historic wetlands and restorable peat are wet
– Reconnect local communities to mosslands and wetlands, and their heritage
– Better quality and better-connected ponds
These priorities will help guide nature recovery, supporting species such as willow tits, sphagnum and water voles.
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 lowland mosslands and wetlands priorities:
– Enable sustainable recreational access to mosslands and wetlands.
– Reintroduce lost species.
– Create a variety of new ponds.
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.
