Manchesterās Peatlands
Holding on to holiday mode, even though school starts again soon!
We just visited Manchester, UK, where my sister lives. We celebrated a big birthday together.
Manchester is known as an old industrial city. But surprisingly, it is full of nature.
In the Greater Manchester area, youāre always within a few kilometres of protected land.
One reserve north of the city even runs alongside a railway line close to the centre.
What kind of nature is there?
A large part of Manchesterās nature is peatland, a special wetland ecosystem.
Peatland absorbs water, which helps in rainy regions. The land stores millions of tonnes of carbon.
Plants adapted to peat soils thrive here, including mosses, grasses, shrubs, sundews, and flowering plants.
Dragonflies and butterflies often visit. The wet environment also attracts large bird communities.
From destruction to protection
Unfortunately, most Greater Manchester peatlands have been destroyed.
Peatland restoration projects are underway across Europe.
In England, peat pilots were created to study and conserve these ecosystems.
In northwest England, several peatland sites have already been turned into reserves.
Other green initiatives
Greater Manchester launched an Environment Plan in 2019.
The goal: carbon neutrality by 2038.
The plan has two tracks ā one for businesses, and another for individuals.
Businesses are urged to cut transport emissions, manage energy, reduce waste, recycle, and favour local products.
Individuals are encouraged to reuse, repair, and buy less.
These steps aim toward a circular economy. Progress is underway, but education is key.
From the north of England, our trip continues south-west. We travel back by train today.
Happy Friday!
And if you want to read more about what I do in the climate space, then please do check out my services.
Sources: Nature Reserves, Biodiversity Europa, The Wildlife Trust, GM Green City, GMCA