Reforestation

Wildlife corridor creation in Manchester, UK

Overview

Site

Benefits

Verification

Why support this project?

Seymour Park is one of Trafford’s most intensively used parks, serving residents, schools, sports clubs and community organisations. Planting 2,000 native trees as a diverse hedgerow corridor will deliver environmental, educational and community benefits in one highly accessible location, while creating a continuous wildlife corridor that links the park’s mature trees, habitats and nearby green spaces.

The hedgerow is also the first element of our partner’s longer-term environmental vision for Seymour Park and adjacent Northumberland Road: a wider community-led biodiversity network, to be delivered as further funding becomes available.

Why plant trees?

Reforestation replants trees on land hit by natural or human disturbance. It restores forest structure and canopy, protects biodiversity and watersheds, and promotes carbon sequestration.

Project summary

2,000 native trees will be planted to establish a high-quality, biodiverse green boundary. The site currently lacks a continuous native wildlife corridor linking mature trees, park habitats and community green spaces. School pupils, Old Trafford (OT) young people, University Academy 92 (UA92) students and Love OT volunteers will work together to plant the hedge. The project will improve habitats for birds and pollinators, capture carbon, reduce wind and water run-off, and foster long-term community ownership through planting, education and ongoing stewardship.

The project zone consists primarily of managed grassland and recreational land use, including playing fields used for community sports and recreation in the centre of Manchester city.

This project will plant a mixed range of 12 native UK species, creating diverse, resilient woodland and hedgerow habitat. The species include hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), hazel (Corylus avellana), field maple (Acer campestre), dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), guelder rose (Viburnum opulus), dog rose (Rosa canina), spindle (Euonymus europaeus), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), holly (Ilex aquifolium), wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare), crab apple (Malus sylvestris) and wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana).

Locations

United Kingdom

Benefits

Climate

Planting 2,000 native trees will help tackle climate change. As the hedgerow grows, it will capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in woody biomass and the soil beneath it.

The hedgerow will also help the park adapt to a changing climate. Its dense root systems and canopy will reduce water run-off and slow the flow of rainfall across the site, which matters as heavier downpours become more frequent. It will also act as a windbreak and provide shade, making this busy urban green space more comfortable and resilient. A diverse mix of native species also strengthens the hedge against pests, disease and extreme weather.

Nature

Using only native species supports local biodiversity, as these trees and shrubs are well adapted to UK conditions and provide food and shelter for native wildlife, including pollinators, birds and small mammals. The mix of flowering, fruiting and berry-bearing species offers resources across the seasons, and the varied structure helps build a healthy, climate-resilient habitat.

People

This project is co-designed between ITF and Positive Community Spaces - Old Trafford. The project will bring together residents, schools, young people, voluntary organisations, businesses and public sector partners to plant and create greener, healthier and more inclusive neighbourhoods. They will be involved in the planting and aftercare of the young trees.

SDGs supported

Planting 2,000 native trees as a hedgerow captures carbon dioxide and stores it in woody biomass and the soil beneath. The dense root systems and canopy reduce water run-off and slow the flow of rainfall across the site, which matters as heavier downpours become more frequent. The hedge also acts as a windbreak and provides shade, and its diverse species mix strengthens it against pests, disease and extreme weather.

A diverse hedgerow of 12 native UK species, including hawthorn, hazel, field maple, guelder rose and crab apple, creates a continuous wildlife corridor linking the park’s mature trees, habitats and nearby green spaces in central Manchester. The mix of flowering, fruiting and berry-bearing species provides food and shelter for pollinators, birds and small mammals across the seasons.

Verification

These partners help deliver the project and verify its impact.

Suppliers

International Tree Foundation

International Tree Foundation is a charity working with local communities to plant trees and restore forests in places where, together, we can make the fastest, most lasting impact for communities and the future of our planet.