Kenworthy Woods in south Manchester has been declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) following approval at Manchester City Council’s Executive Committee today ( Wednesday 14 December).
This will bring the number of LNRs in the city to nine and through this declaration, recognition by Natural England and other national conservation organisations such as the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
The declaration is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to put urban nature at the heart of the city’s biodiversity plans. Conserving, protecting and enhancing the city’s green spaces and woodlands underpins the city’s commitment and ambition to preserve and enhance biodiversity in the city.
The status as a LNR not only helps to protect natural features and wildlife habitats and increase local involvement where people can learn and study in nature with all the added health and wellbeing that this brings but it also increases the opportunity to bid for additional funding to enhance and improve the area.
Kenworthy Woods in Northenden, covers 36 hectares and is located south of Chorlton Water Park, separated by the River Mersey and is a key link within the Mersey Valley network of sites of conservation value. It has a rich assortment of fungi species, flora and fauna and is a suitable habitat for priority species identified in the new Biodiversity Strategy, including the Willow Tit.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Executive Member for Environment and Transport said: “Declaring Kenworthy Woods as a Local Nature Reserve is great news for nature conservation and recreation in this part of the city and is an example of our biodiversity plans in action. As caretakers of our local environment the work we do now to preserve, protect and enhance our green spaces and local environments is really important for future generations. We want to ensure that we work tirelessly to preserve the precious eco-systems that we already have in our woodlands like Kenworthy, and in our meadows, green spaces, rivers and canals to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the city.”
“It is already a well-known and well-loved woodland along the River Mersey and is visited and enjoyed by many people locally but hopefully this designation status will bring it to the attention of even more people and that it will bring greater opportunities to enhance this wonderful woodland area for everyone to enjoy.”
As well as the nine LNRs there are also 37 Sites of Biological Importance in Manchester.
