Woodland Makeover

A group of Wythenshawe Residents have been taking part in a demanding and fantastic urban greening challenge to transform Nan Nook Wood into a safer, more accessible community green space and thriving wildlife and plant habitat.

The wood in Wythenshawe Park has long been recognised as an important site for biodiversity and wildlife. But mosquitoes, overgrown invasive plants, rubbish from fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour has made it an unattractive and underused community space.

In 2007 members of Wythenshawe Park Watch Group secured £50,000 worth of funding to regenerate the wood. Working with Manchester City Council and local environmental initiative Red Rose Forest the group have helped to deliver an extensive programme of work to transform the area.

Work undertaken so far has included the removal of fly-tipped material, education activities with adjacent householders, hedge planting to prevent motorcycle access, improvements to paths including the installation of boardwalks, improvements to irrigation, thinning of trees, removal of invasive plants and installation of several information lecterns. Next year carved benches, a bridge and dipping platform are due to be added to the woodland.

Hilary Lloyd of the Wythenshawe Park Watch Group said: ‘We are so happy and excited about the work that has so far been completed at the woods. We have seen a real increase in the presence of birds and other wildlife in the woods and this together with the improved drainage system has really helped to alleviate the mosquito problem. The woods really are a great place for the whole community to enjoy.”

Red Rose Forest’s Pete Stringer said: “This project is a really good example of the benefits of partnership working. When different organisations and communities work together it’s amazing what can be achieved.”

The project has been funded by Greening Greater Manchester and Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT), which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.

Sally Hovel of Biffaward said: ‘We are delighted to have supported this worthwhile project which will make a real difference to the local environment and community.”

Kevin Wigly from Red Rose Forest is pictured wotj members of Wythenshawe Park Watch.