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Nature Towns and Cities project

Aerial view of a canal running through a dense cityscape with modern high-rise buildings, residential areas, and a bridge in the foreground.

Connecting with communities to shape and look after our green spaces and waterways

We’re working together across Salford and Manchester to create a nature rich network of green spaces that everyone can enjoy - and we’ll be supporting our communities to look after them. The improvements will celebrate heritage, climate resilience, and nature.  

Why is this important to do now?

  • Salford and Manchester are growing and changing, and this is an opportunity to protect and enhance our valuable natural assets alongside new development.
  • As our population grows, there’s increasing demand for high-quality green spaces - we want to make sure everyone has access to nature close to home.
  • We have a chance to respond proactively to climate challenges such as flooding, rising temperatures, and biodiversity loss by investing in greener, more resilient environments.
  • Local people are highly engaged and have told us parks, open spaces, and climate action are important to them -there is strong support for making improvements.
  • By making spaces more welcoming and accessible, we can ensure everyone feels included and able to enjoy them.
  • There is real enthusiasm from local volunteers and community groups, presenting an opportunity to build skills, provide structured support, and strengthen long-term engagement.
  • Underused spaces and infrastructure offer exciting potential to be transformed into vibrant spaces for communities to enjoy.
  • With strong political backing, we are in a unique position to act now and make a lasting difference.

Open wetland landscape with winding water channels, grassy fields, and a tree line under a partly cloudy sky.

What will happen next?

Thanks to funding from National Lottery Heritage Fund, over the next two years we will:

  • work with local communities to map and prioritise greenspaces, waterways and  underused spaces, designing the improvements and looking at access considerations
  • build strong partnerships to develop a project pipeline, local people involved in decision making.  
  • support communities through networking opportunities, training and skills development 
  • increase capacity and confidence within the local authorities to embed community led nature based solutions
  • explore new and innovative ways to fund improvements and make the most of available investment. 
  • share knowledge and build a strong evidence base to support future projects
  • develop a Green Connectivity Strategy and achieve Nature City status.  

Tree-lined walking and cycling path through a lush green wooded area with dense foliage on both sides.

Sunlit path curves through a green park with tall trees, grassy banks, and a brick wall lining one side. Bright blue sky and sunlight filtering through the leaves create a vivid, springlike scene.

Get in touch

Contact us at rangers@salford.gov.uk if you:

  • would like to find out about training and support to help deliver environmental improvements 
  • know of a greenspace or waterway that you would like to see improved 
  • would like to work with us to see more nature in our cities, and more activities that encourage greater awareness and use
  • are interested in supporting local community action through your time, resources or funding

This project is a partnership between:

Salford City Council and Manchester City Council, with collaborators including Cyan Lines, Canal and River Trust, City of Trees, Greater Manchester Environment Trust, Groundwork Greater Manchester, RHS Bridgwater and Sow The City. 

Parks and open spaces

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