Manchester’s West Gorton neighbourhood now has a new climate resilient park, one of GrowGreen’s demonstration projects. The park is designed with nature-based solutions to ‘drink’ and absorb rainwater, reducing flood risk in the surrounding area. The local residents, including elderly people and schoolkids, helped to design the park, which includes areas for people to meet and play. The impacts of the park on multiple environmental, social and economic parameters will now be monitored, so that what we learn here can be applied in other cities experiencing flood risk and other climate challenges.

“We want our neighbourhoods to be liveable, equitable spaces that are loved and respected by communities” said Lead Member for Environment Transport and Planning Councillor Angeliki Stogia. “Our landscapes can help us with this. The West Gorton Community Park is a first for the City – a park planned with climate resilience at its heart. Not just a fun place to play, and relax, but a working network of subtle interventions that will reduce flooding and improve biodiversity over the coming years.”

The benefits of nature-based solutions are also an integral part of Manchester’s River Valley Action Plans, which are under development as part of efforts to help the city adapt to climate change. The plans will assess the current functionality of the rivers and streams in the city, and the many benefits they can bring to the people who live around them and to the city as a whole. They will help ensure that environmental priorities are integrated into local planning.

Citizens of Manchester have a chance to get involved in shaping the River Valley Action Plans. The Our Rivers Our City campaign invites people to share their experiences and ideas for improvement of the city’s rivers and streams, helping build a vision of their future together.