We are delighted to welcome the launch of Greater Manchester’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), the first of its kind in England. This pioneering plan sets out how our region will restore nature, reverse biodiversity loss, and tackle climate change.
This ambitious strategy recognises that the health of our communities, our heritage, and our environment are all deeply connected. It sets out how local authorities, landowners, developers, and community groups will work together with the shared aim to
- Protect and enhance habitats including woodlands, rivers, and grasslands
- Create connected nature-rich networks for wildlife and people
- Target investment where it will have the greatest impact
- Put nature at the heart of local planning and place-making
Why the Strategy Matters for Park Bridge
Park Bridge is uniquely placed to play its part in Greater Manchester’s vision for nature recovery:
- Our valley includes Sites of Biological Importance, with ancient woodland and species-rich grassland, which have been neglected for over a decade following local authority budget cuts
- The River Medlock flows through the heart of Park Bridge, but has suffered from pollution and a rapid decline in wildlife
- Our nationally significant industrial heritage landscape sits side by side with important habitats, offering a unique opportunity to bring heritage and environment together
By aligning with the LNRS, we can help make sure Park Bridge is not just protected but revived and improved for future generations.
Next Steps for Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund
As a community group set up to champion and communicate the voices of all residents, and to hero our three key pillars of Community, Heritage, and Environment, we fully back the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and are committed to playing our part in its delivery here in Park Bridge.
We will be:
- Working with Tameside and Oldham Councils to make sure Park Bridge is included in LNRS delivery
- Partnering and collaborating with Greenspace teams, universities, and conservation groups to align local projects with regional priorities
- Leading community-led initiatives such as:
- River Medlock citizen science surveys
- Biodiversity planting and habitat restoration
- Tackling fly-tipping and promoting recycling
- Highlighting the dangerous road in and out of the village and lobbying for a permanent solution to ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and wildlife.
- Ensuring local voices are heard so that the strategy reflects the needs of Park Bridge residents
How You Can Help
- Sign up for our newsletter so that you remain up-to-date with what’s going on in Park Bridge, volunteering opportunities, and more
- Take part in the River Medlock surveys this autumn, spending just 15 minutes of your time walking down the river and documenting what you see will make a difference, full details here
- Promote and encourage positive behaviour in Park Bridge:
- Dispose of litter responsibly.
- Stick to designated paths and follow the Countryside Code
- Respect wildlife and leave habitats undisturbed.
Every small action adds up and together we can make Park Bridge cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for people and nature.
Greater Manchester is leading the way nationally, and here in Park Bridge we are ready to become a local flagship for nature recovery, protecting our environment, celebrating our heritage, and making our community stronger for generations to come.
The full Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy can be viewed here.
Last month, the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund published an example management plan for Park Bridge 2026 and beyond, celebrating 240 years since the ironworks first opened, this can be viewed below.
Park-Bridge-management-plan-2026