A £1.2 million Species Survival Fund grant has been announced for a project working in the Medlock Valley.
The project will enhance habitats at seven sites across the Medlock Valley, covering almost 30 hectares and will involve Groundwork Greater Manchester, TCV, Canal & Rivers Trust, City of Trees and Mersey Rivers Trust and in partnership with Manchester City Council, and Tameside Council.
The scheme will include,restoration work across the Aston and Rochdale canal network,naturalising the riverbank at Lees Brook Nature Park as well as grassland and wetland restoration and creation and the planting of approximately 5,000 trees and understory planting.
These habitats will become home to species including water voles, waxcap mushrooms and the Great Crested Newt.
Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This funding is great news for Oldham.
“It will help boost the natural environment and wildlife numbers and is further evidence of our work to become the greenest borough in Greater Manchester whilst creating employment opportunities for local residents.”
Ginny Hinton, Deputy Director Cheshire to Lancashire Area Team, Natural England, said: “Natural England is really proud to support the Species Survival project in the Medlock Valley. It will be a flagship project for how we can bring nature back to urban environments.”
