Chat Moss

Chat Moss comprises some 30% of Salford (2750 hectares). It comprises the largest area of Grade 1 and 2 farmland in Greater Manchester and contains the largest block of semi natural woodland in Greater Manchester. It is also the source of significant wildlife interest. Home to a wealth of farmland birds, it also contains remnants of lowland bog habitat. This rare and declining habitat can only be found on peat substrates and the city council is seeking to restore areas of existing peat working to wet mossland.

Much of the landscape of Chat Moss reflects its agricultural past. It was reclaimed in the 19^th century by a large-scale network of drainage channels. These are still required today to prevent the land water logging and they have resulted in a patchwork landscape "enclosed" by ditches rather than hedges or walls.

Chat Moss was once one of the major sources of moss crops for Manchester, supplying the salad and vegetable needs of the city. It was an important source of employment and income for local people, but over time, this farm economy has declined in the face of global markets and the purchasing power of the supermarkets. Today on Chat Moss you are more likely to see turf growing, arable farming, hobby farming and horse livery as you are traditional moss cropping.

There are three key planning policies that currently impact on Chat Moss. The majority of the moss is Green Belt, which places restrictions on built development.  The Mosslands Policy seeks to establish a heartland area of lowland raised bog, through the restoration of peat workings and protection of other remnants. Outside the "heartland", the overall nature conservation interest of the mossland landscape will be maintained. Finally, the Farm Diversification Policy seeks to diversify non-agricultural activities to try to strengthen the local farm economy.

There is a growing interest in the future landscapes of the Mosslands and in Salford there is a recognition that much of the activities on the moss are resulting in a fragmented landscape with few tangible benefits to the local economy. The potential of Chat Moss as a major green lung for the city is being recognised. Chat Moss has the potential to be a productive landscape with long term recreational, environmental, economic and health benefits for the city, but this will require partnership working and a more proactive approach than has hitherto been the case.

The city council, in partnership with Wigan and Warrington councils and a range of regional agencies has recently commissioned a study to identify a long term vision for the mossland landscapes and to promote a pattern of activity that will secure a long term future delivering its wildlife, farming and leisure potential.

Who to contact

Name

Planning and Transport Futures

Address

Sustainable Regeneration
Salford City Council
Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
Salford
M27 5BY
Map to this location

Telephone

0161 793 3782

Email

plans.consultation@salford.gov.uk

This page was last updated on 2 March 2011