Wetland Habitat Creation

Who? Where? When?

Broadhurst Clough is a 7ha wet grassy area with some woodland. Originally an open water habitat, in 1946 it was filled in to build prefab houses that were demolished in the 1960s. Since then the site has become a declining wetland used mainly by dog walkers. Situated in an area of high deprivation in north east Manchester, there are football pitches to the north and allotments to the south. It is immediately next to Broadhurst Park, a formally laid out public green space.  Manchester Leisure owns the site and provided part funding. Project management was provided by Irk Valley Project with Groundwork Manchester Salford and Trafford providing Landscape Architects and contract management.  Also involved were JAG – the local Residents group. The project started in May 2006 and the area is now a Site of Biological Importance.

Objectives

The project aimed to provide a sustainable solution for problems with two adjacent and functionally important green spaces.

1. To involve the local community in the restoration and development of a sustainable wetland including open water areas, thus bringing wildlife into an urban area of Manchester
2. Alleviating flooding of neighbouring junior football pitches to improve local sports provision for young people.

The Process

The aim was to drain the excess water from the playing fields into the neighbouring declining wet area, thus reinstating it as a wetland and enhancing the playing fields’ capacity as a sports facility. Before any work started consultation was undertaken with local residents, the football community and archaeological groups.  This raised awareness of the planned project, generated support and explored current site use. Wetland plans were drawn up in consultation with residents, linking drainage of the football pitches into the new wetland. Contractors were employed and residents supported the project through activities such as planting and grant applications.

Achievements and Outcomes

JAG, the local residents group, have become dedicated to improving the site through regular visits/walks, making funding applications and undertaking practical work. The wetland has been dug out successfully reinstating open water, a habitat type that is a priority within the Greater Manchester and UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The wetland, with enhanced invertebrate and bird life, has gained classification as a Site of Biological Importance and it is now working towards Local Nature Reserve status. There is more physical work to do but in time Manchester City Council and the local residents hope to link these two spaces to establish a high quality resource for both passive and active leisure activities, and an important educational facility for local schools.

Lessons Learnt / Key Advice

• Spend sufficient staff time and resources on building initial relationships with local residents, ensuring they know when they will be consulted and when they will be informed of decisions made.
• Look outside site boundaries to find neighbouring developments you could link up with. In this case it brought about positive biodiversity management within an infrastructure planning framework.
• Consider sustainable water resources and climate change in all new projects.