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 improved leisure and recreation opportunities, and reduced flood risk.
Our draft GMLNRS 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 later this year.
Our rivers, canals and waterbodies
Our third habitat priorities blog focuses on rivers, canals and waterbodies.
Greater Manchester boasts an extensive network of rivers, canals, brooks, streams, reservoirs, and ponds, all of which provide critical habitats for wildlife. Over 884km of rivers, 160km of canals and 400ha of lakes cross the city-region, meaning our waterways play a key part in nature recovery.
Our waterbodies already play an important role in supporting local wildlife, but there’s more to be done. These important habitats are being placed under pressure by heavy modifications and poor water quality, including the presence of microplastics, litter and pollution.
We can improve the condition of rivers, water bodies and streams, not just by reducing pollution but also by uncovering and naturalising them, helping aquatic species move. This also offers social benefits by providing opportunities for leisure and recreation and connects us to our cultural heritage.
Creating more space for water and better managing our rainwater, through natural flood management and sustainable drainage schemes, can also help improve our water quality. Sustainable drainage systems, such as raingardens, builds local resilience to climate change and reduces the risk of flooding for homes and businesses.
Setting out clear priorities for nature recovery across our rivers, canals and waterbodies helps to communicate how we can all take action to enhance these spaces for nature and people.
Draft nature recovery priorities for rivers, canals and waterbodies
The GM LNRS outlines the following draft priorities for rivers, canals and waterbodies:
– Making rivers, canals, and waterbodies more accessible and visible, with fewer barriers to species movement
– Ensuring cleaner, more natural, and resilient rivers and waterbodies that are well-protected, maintained, and biodiverse
– Increasing habitat connectivity along our river corridors, canals, and waterbodies
– Creating more space for water and implementing natural flood management in communities and catchments
– Restoring cleaner canals for the benefit of both nature and people
These priorities will help guide nature recovery for our waterbodies and would support species such as otters, salmon and common frogs.
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 rivers, canals and waterbodies priorities:
– Expansion and restoration of waterside habitats
– Remove barriers for aquatic creatures
– Reduce litter and pollution in canals
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.
