As we head into the summer, it is wonderful to see all the work we put into the Miles Platting Wildlife Corridor starting to show benefits for people and wildlife. The new trees, hedging, and planting are thriving, and the ponds are starting to attract new life.
In 2023, Miles Platting Community and Age Friendly Network (MPCAN) secured a Round 3 grant from GM Green Spaces Fund of £39,970. Additionally, we also secured approx. £50,000 match funding from DEFRA and Woodland Trust.
“The Miles Platting Wildlife Corridor for people and nature will enhance identified spaces and create new habitats in the neighbourhoods of Miles Platting, Manchester. The aim is to improve biodiversity and the local ecosystem, increase interaction and connection between residents and their natural environment, mitigate impacts of climate change, and encourage physical activity between sites and along the Rochdale Canal.” (GMEF, 1 Sept 2023).
The Corridor (across 6 spaces) now has 1,172 new plants including 53 new trees, 780 hedge plants, 38 new features (bird boxes, ponds, habitats etc).
MPCAN are looking to fundraise for further planting interventions across the parks, verges, streets, and home and community gardens. Plus, explore therapeutic engagement in these spaces, and offer more training and education opportunities.
We also want to create outdoor interpretation boards for The Wildlife Corridor that will share information on the plants and wildlife they attract.
The Corridor (across 6 spaces)
now has 1,172 new plants
including 53 new trees, 780 hedge
plants, 38 new features (bird
boxes, ponds, habitats etc).
Importantly, we have to continue to improve the tree canopy across Miles Platting, as residents live in an area with low “Tree Equity Score”. As explained by the Woodland Trust:
“Only 1 in 10 people in the UK live in an urban neighbourhood with enough trees to meet their needs.
But what does that really mean?
It means most people don’t have shade on the walk to school.
It means the air you breathe might not be as clean, and you’re more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases such as asthma.
It means your street feels hotter, greyer, less safe.
It means less stress busting, blood pressure reducing and anxiety and depression alleviating time in nature.
It means higher flood risk and hotter temperatures in a heatwave.
It means your house tends to be worth less and is slower to sell, and your local economy often sees less footfall, business and investment.
It means fewer places for you to pause, connect, or just breathe when life is overwhelming. And we all know how overwhelming life can be.
Because trees aren’t just about the environment and climate change – they’re about daily life.
And tree equity is about people and making sure everyone, no matter their postcode, can enjoy the benefits that trees bring to daily life.
At The Woodland Trust, we’re using Tree Equity Score UK to put this into action.”
(Caroline Campbell, Tree Equity Programme Officer, The Woodland Trust)
We also need to create more “wild” spaces in our neighbourhoods, such as meadows and grasslands.
The Miles Platting Wildlife Corridor is important for the health of people and wildlife.
MPCAN is also part of the new Greater Manchester Green and Blue Spaces Action Network, supported by Andy Burnham and led by Sow the City. The Network helps community groups share knowledge, practices, and resources – plus find collective solutions for challenges like land ownership and green skills training.
The Miles Platting Wildlife
Corridor is important for the health
of people and wildlife.
Keep an eye on our blog for more updates on The Miles Platting Wildlife Corridor and how you get involved to nurture and care for the neighbourhoods you love!
You can also follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milesplattingcommunityandagefriendlynetwork/
or contact us at [email protected] to find out more and get involved! 🙂
