Greater Manchester has launched the first Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) in the North, aiming to reverse decades of wildlife decline and improve access to green spaces.
The plan seeks to increase land protected for nature from 11% to 15%, restore or create 1,800 hectares of wildlife-rich land, and expand tree canopy cover across the city region.
Mayor Andy Burnham highlighted the importance of giving everyone a ‘nature-rich green space near where they live’ to support health, wellbeing, and climate resilience.
The strategy also introduces a ‘Nature Network’ to connect habitats for wildlife and builds on existing initiatives, including the Green Spaces Fund and Castlefield Viaduct project.
A number of other councils in the North are working on LNRSs, including North Yorkshire Council and Northumberland County Council.
