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Setting the Scene for Growth

These two projects have been funded through Setting the Scene for Growth, part of the Newlands programme, a partnership between the Northwest Development Agency and the Forestry Commission.

In 2009/10, the Forestry Commission also continued to manage and develop the Newlands sites at Moston Vale in Manchester and LIVIA in Bury and Salford, as well as supporting the development of Moston Brook and Tips in Manchester and Oldham.

Nutsford Vale

The site occupies 13.5 hectares in Gorton, East Manchester. For years, the site has been seen as unsafe by local residents.

Evidence of fly tipping, uncontrolled access, dense vegetation and motorbike use resulted in very little positive activity on the site.

We and partners wanted to change this. In 2010/2011 we added over 2,000 metres of new paths, added six new seats and carried out two community workshops.

We want to get the community involved in woodland management, wildflower planting and bushcraft activities. For 2011/2012 we are also planning a lantern festival, a Nutsford Vale calendar and a community launch event.

We have made good links with the local Friends Of group and schools who will help us to get more people using the site.

"New footpaths and improvements have made a massive difference. They have brought the country into the city. The Vale is now a place for everyone to enjoy,
young and old alike". Local resident Rita Edge

The Meadows

The site is a seven hectare site lying in a bend of the River Irwell in Salford. It has a long industrial past, eventually becoming grassed over and used as playing fields.

The vision for The Meadows is to see the site return to meadow status, with a seasonal wetland feature, improved accessibility and biodiversity. In 2010/2011 we added 1,000 metres of new paths, a new entrance and wetland feature, and carried out community workshops to improve the site.

The Meadows will be the largest green space in Irwell River Park. We hope to see new footbridges linking it to Chapel Street and the University of Salford, enabling thousands of visitors to access the site.

Opportunities for community involvement include cutting and planting local willow pegs, wildflower planting, play activities, forest schools and a lantern festival.

For more information please speak to Lisa on 0116 872 1660 or email