Wildlife

Despite being a large urban city, Salford contains a surprising amount of wildlife: sites of nature conservation importance; Greater Manchester and UK Priority Habitats; important species; and areas of semi-natural character providing access to nature within the urban fabric, all contributing towards the city’s biological diversity (biodiversity for short).

Biodiversity is simply the variety of life on earth, and the government requires that the natural and semi-natural habitats and wild species used to measure it, should be maintained, restored to a good condition, and where possible expanded.

Salford does not have any nature conservation sites of international importance. However, Astley and Bedford Mosses (part of the Manchester Mosslands Special Area of Conservation) lies close to the city in Wigan, and parts of the Chat Moss Mosslands may have the potential to be restored to such a level.

Whilst there are no nationally important sites in Salford, a proposed site of special scientific interest is currently under consideration within Botany Bay Wood.

There are a number of nature conservation sites of local importance - these include the Sites of Biological Importance (SBIs); Local Nature Reserves; and sites supporting UK and Local Priority Habitats. Further detail and guidance is provided in the Nature Conservation and Biodiversity SPD.

Wildlife corridors provide areas of continual open land, providing habitats for wildlife to move and breed within the urban area. Features as diverse as canals, rivers, railways, and woods can all make a significant contribution, particularly where they contribute towards a continual link between habitats and green spaces. Some of the city’s parks and open spaces are being managed to improve their attractiveness for wildlife.

In addition, Salford has wild species, protected by European legislation (for example, bats, great crested newts) and some by national legislation (for example water voles, badgers). Further details are contained within the Biodiversity Trigger List.

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 9 September 2011