Seeds sown for festival of nature
CHARITIES working to provide homes for wildlife and connect people to nature have joined forces with Manchester council to plan a Manchester Festival of Nature.
With the help of the council, the groups are spearheading the plan to bring a nature celebration to the city in 2019.
City of Trees, the RSPB, the National Trust and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside have formed ‘the Green Jigsaw,’ a joint approach to protecting and promoting nature in the city-region, which will also involve other organisations, volunteer and friends’ groups, businesses and individuals.
This summer, #MFoN will be at the front of a social media campaign to inform people of how they can get involved in nature in and around the city centre.
#MFoN will keep residents and visitors to the city up to date with everything that is happening on their doorsteps.
This will include wildlife walks, outings to see bats, butterflies and birds, surveys and volunteering opportunities on nature reserves, parks and green spaces across the region.
Alan Wright, from the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, said: “This is all about getting people to recognise and appreciate the wildlife we have in and around Manchester. Getting out into wild places – and there are many in and around the city – is a great way to learn about the nature on our doorstep and benefit our health and wellbeing.”
Manchester council’s executive member for the environment and skills, Coun Angeliki Stogia, said: “We’re really excited about plans for a Manchester Festival of Nature in 2019, which will offer opportunities for local residents and volunteer groups to work with environmental charities and ourselves for the benefit of the wonderful birds, mammals and bugs we all want to see flourishing.
“There is already plenty going on in Manchester to help wildlife, so make sure you check #MFoN this summer to discover the free local events and activities at a green space near you.”
Jenny Hackland, RSPB Mersey Valley project officer, said:
“Even in the heart of the city centre, there’s lots to see, including the fastest animal on the planet – the peregrine falcon – hunting over Exchange Square.”
Join in the conversation on social media, by following #MFoN.