Progress and the current position

The Forestry Commission has leased land from two key landowners in the area, the city council and United Utilities, and is using Newlands funding for long-term maintenance and management of any improvements made, funding that has often been missing in the past.

It is hoped that over the next few years some, or all of the following will be achieved:

Major improvements to the derelict and under-used land
Creation of a wide range of recreational activities
Major landscape restoration
Bringing land on both sides of the river together to create a major country park
Reduction in levels of noise pollution and nuisance behaviour
Reductions in crime and the fear of crime

In an effort to ensure that local people benefit from this scheme considerable efforts will be made to consult them. The Forestry Commission has appointed Groundwork to lead the consultation work. This work has already led to the production of a draft master plan for the area, which is available to download at the foot of this page. To achieve this a wide range of consultation has been carried out over the last two years in preparation. It is also hoped that the scheme will generate many economic improvements for the area too through:

Stimulating community enterprise
Establishing a range of training opportunities for skills development
Securing the support and active involvement of businesses in the area
Significant improvements in terms of health and well-being and the promotion of healthy lifestyles
Changing the perception of the whole area from a backyard dumping ground to a major recreational asset for local people with regionally and/or nationally important features
Creation of civic pride in the area, sadly lacking at the moment
Providing many constructive activities for young people

The Forestry Commission took responsibility for Salford City Council and United Utilities land, under lease agreements, in 2006.