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5. Natural and semi natural open space
Introduction and definition
5.1 This type of open space includes woodlands, urban forestry, scrubland, grasslands (e.g. downlands, commons, meadows), wetlands, nature reserves and wastelands. Natural and semi natural open spaces play an important role in wildlife conservation and biodiversity as well as providing opportunities for informal recreation.
5.2 Natural and semi natural open space can frequently be found within other open space types, particularly in parks within Manchester. This serves to highlight the overlap between typologies as well as the multi functionality of open spaces.
5.3 While most natural and semi natural open spaces are a haven for wildlife, there are two sites designated as sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) (Cotteril Clough and Rochdale Canal) and 36 Sites of Biological Importance (SBI). This indicates that despite the urban nature of Manchester City, there are many high quality natural environments.
5.4 In addition, six sites in Manchester have been designated as Local Nature Reserves (LNR), specifically:
- Blackley Forest
- Chorlton Ees and Ivy Green
- Chorlton Water Park
- Clayton Vale
- Boggart Hole Clough
- Highfield Country Park.
5.5 Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are for both people and wildlife. They are places with wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally. They offer people special opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it and are therefore equally important for both conservation and recreation.
5.6 In order to maximise the value of natural and semi natural open spaces it is essential that a balance between recreational use, biodiversity and conservation is achieved.
5.7 This section outlines the strategic context and key consultation findings relating to natural and semi natural open space in Manchester, and the recommended local standards. These local standards are then applied in order to understand local issues and priorities.
Local context
5.8 The key issues for natural and semi natural open spaces arising from a review of strategic documents are set out overleaf in Table 5.1.
SECTION 5 – NATURAL AND SEMI NATURAL OPEN SPACE Table 5.1 – Strategic context – local Document Reviewed
Summary of key strategic drivers
Key issues influencing the provision of natural and semi natural open space
Manchester BiodiversityStrategy (2005)
The main aim of the strategy is conservation, protection andenhancement of biodiversity in the City for current and futuregenerations. The six key objectives are as follows: •^
to create a full species and habitat audit to establish a baselineof biodiversity in the City
-^
to use a best practice approach when managing forbiodiversity
-^
promote biodiversity in Manchester
-^
promote biodiversity through environmental education
-^
integrate biodiversity into the wider sustainable developmentagenda.
The strategy identifies some sites of biological importance, includingBoggart Hole Clough, Clayton Vale, Chorlton Water Park, andBrookdale Clough. This strategy highlights the value of Local Nature Reserves (LNR’s)in the protection of wildlife habitats and natural features. It isrecommended that cities such as Manchester should provide: •^
accessible natural green space less than 300m (in a straightline) from home
-^
at least one accessible 20 ha site within 2km of home
-^
one accessible 100 ha site within 5km of home
-^
one accessible 500 ha site within 10km of home
-^
statutory LNR’s provided at a minimum level of 1ha perthousand population.
The strategy promotes the protection andenhancement of biodiversity across the City andhighlights the need for environmental managementand the integration of biodiversity into thesustainable development agenda. This study will take account of the priorities of thebiodiversity strategy when considering therecreational uses of natural and semi natural openspace.
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5.9 These strategic documents reinforce the role of natural and semi natural open space in the local community and the importance of providing high quality, easily accessible natural and semi natural open space. The importance of balancing conservation with recreation is also emphasised, as well as the role of trees in adapting to climate change and promoting conservation across Manchester.
Consultation – assessing local needs
5.10 Consultation undertaken as part of the study highlights several issues with regard to natural and semi natural open space, including:
- natural and semi natural open space is one of the most frequently visited open spaces in Manchester, with 36% of respondents to the household survey indicating that they use natural open space at least once a week
- only 2% of children indicated that they visit woods more frequently than any other type of open space. Most children use the open spaces that are closest to their home
- the need to protect natural open space from urban development was a key theme of workshops and drop in sessions. As well as highlighting the value that natural open spaces have for recreation, many residents emphasised the value of these sites in terms of conservation and the habitats that they offer. This issue was also raised frequently during stakeholder presentations and links with the biodiversity strategy were perceived to be of paramount importance
- both the household survey responses and qualitative consultations suggest that enhancing the quality of natural and semi natural open space in Manchester is as important as increasing the quantity of this type of open space.
Quantity of existing provision
5.11 The quantity of natural and semi natural open space across Manchester is summarised in Table 5.2.
Table 5.2 – Provision of natural and semi natural open space across Manchester
Area Current provision
Number of sites
Smallest site (hectares)
Largest site (Hectares)
Current provision per 1000 (hectares)
City Centre 0.21 1 - 0.21 0. East 130.46 30 0.22 52.96 1. Central 7.19 8 0.14 2.51 0. South 197.27 22 0.07 56.10 1. North 344.83 55 0.01 55.46 3. Wythenshawe 179.53 34 0.22 32.67 2. Overall 859.28 150 0.01 56.10 1.
5.12 The key issues emerging from Table 5.2 and consultations relating to the quantity of provision of natural and semi natural open space across the City are:
- analysis of the quantity of natural and semi natural open space illustrates a significant disparity in the level of provision across the City
- while provision in the North and Wythenshawe areas exceeds 2 hectares per 1000, the level of natural open space much lower in the central area (0.1ha per 1000). Provision is also significantly lower in the south than in other areas of the City. There are only eight sites in the central area compared to 55 in the north and 34 in Wythenshawe
- findings from the household survey indicate that the quantity of natural and semi natural open space is perceived to be insufficient (70%). Only 27% of respondents Citywide view the quantity of natural open space as sufficient
- there was a strong emphasis on the need to protect natural open spaces expressed throughout the consultation. There was a strong perception that many sites have been recently lost to development and the potential of natural open spaces was highlighted as one of the main threats to the character of Manchester during the CN4M workshop
- the provision of natural and semi natural open space per 1000 population is low in the City Centre (0.02ha). Household survey findings indicate that there is a high level of dissatisfaction in this area of the City
- 82% of residents in the Central area are dissatisfied with the quantity of natural open space, the highest of all areas. This area contains the second lowest amount of natural space (after the City Centre)
- the greatest current provision and provision per 1000 population is found in the North. Within this area, 38% of respondents to the household survey feel that the provision of natural open space is sufficient – the highest levels of satisfaction in all areas.
Setting provision standards – quantity
5.13 The recommended local quantity standard for natural and semi natural open space has been derived from the local needs consultation and audit of provision and is summarised overleaf. Full justification for the local standard is provided within Appendix F. The standard is set at the existing level of provision.
Quantity Standard (see Appendices E and F – standards and justification, worksheet and calculator)
Existing level of provision Recommended standard 1.90 hectares per 1000 1.90 hectares per 1000 Justification
quality score of a site and the lowest and highest quality sites on both a City wide and regeneration area level.
Table 5.3 – Quality of natural and semi natural open space across Manchester
Area Range of quality Scores (%)
Average quality scores (%)
Lowest quality sites
Highest quality sites
City Centre - 60 - Hunts Bank
East 30 – 80 58
Glencastle Road
Stockport Branch Canal
Central 36 - 85 53
Devonshire Street NSN
Mill Green Street
South 40 – 100 64
Ventnor Avenue NSN
Chorlton Water Park
North 20 – 88 58
Middleton Road
Blackley Forest Nature Reserve
Wythenshawe 28 – 77 59
Fairywell Open Space
Shandon Avenue
Overall 20 - 100 59
Middleton Road
Chorlton Water Park
5.19 The key issues emerging from Table 5.3 and the consultation relating to the quality of natural and semi natural open space include:
- the majority of respondents to the household survey feel that the quality of natural open space is either average (36%) or good (26%). However, 20% of residents feel that the quality of natural open space is poor
- the quality ratings given by residents are similar across all six geographical areas, with the most common response in each area being that the quality of natural open space is average. Site assessments reinforce the average quality of this type of open space, with the average quality score of a site being 59%
- the greatest level of satisfaction is found in the South where 31% feel that the quality of the sites is good. Site assessments support this perception with the quality of natural and semi natural open space being highest in this area of the City
- in contrast to an extent with the household survey, the underlying theme from workshops and drop-in sessions relate to a desire for increased emphasis on the quality and value of existing sites, rather than on the development of new sites. It was felt that the quality of sites is particularly important if use of natural open spaces is to increase. Ensuring that spaces were welcoming and inviting to encourage a general perception of safety was highlighted as being important
- local nature reserves (LNRs) across Manchester were highlighted as examples of good practice, with attendees at workshops indicating that these sites provided important opportunities for local residents to experience nature.
Setting provision standards – quality
5.20 The recommended local quality standard for natural and semi natural open space is summarised below. This standard sets out the essential elements of a high quality natural open space in terms of recreational provision. These findings are derived from the key themes of local consultations. Full justification and consultation relating to the quality of provision is provided within Appendix G.
Quality standard (see Appendix G)
Recommended standard – NATURAL AND SEMI NATURAL OPEN SPACE Local consultation, national guidance and best practice suggest that the following features are essential and desirable to local residents: Essential Desirable Nature Features Clean/Litter Free Flowers/Trees Good Access Footpaths Litter Bins Detailed analysis of the local consultation suggests that with regards to natural and semi natural areas, the relative importance of the key components is as follows: Component of quality Weighting Security and Safety 2 Cleanliness and maintenance 3 Vegetation 1 Ancillary accommodation 4
5.21 When opening up access to natural and semi natural open spaces and improving their quality in terms of the visitor experience, it is also essential to consider the role of the site in terms of the provision of habitats and the species that live in the site. It is important to ensure that changes are not detrimental to the diversity of the site.
Setting provision standards – accessibility
5.22 The local accessibility standard is set in the form of a distance threshold and is derived directly from the findings of the local consultations. It considers the distance that residents are willing to travel to access different types of facilities as well as the mode of transport that they would anticipate using.
5.23 Analysis of the consultation on the accessibility of natural and semi natural open spaces across the City indicates that:
- findings from the household survey reveal that 65% of current users walk to access a natural or semi natural open space. Travel times of current users are split over three timeframes: 0-5 minutes (28%), 5-10 minutes (19%) and 11-15 minutes (28%). This suggests that proximity to the home plays a key part in determining which open spaces residents visit frequently
is recommended as this will help to deliver a greater number of localised natural and semi natural spaces. This also recognises the standards produced by Natural England, which promote local access to natural open space. It is therefore recommended that a walk time standard is adopted. An assessment of the opinions of residents demonstrates that people are willing to walk up to 15 minutes (third quartile and average) to reach semi natural open space. Given the characteristics of Manchester and the consequential challenges of providing natural and semi natural open space, along with the importance of balancing quantity, quality and accessibility, a 15 minute walk time standard is recommended. City Centre Based on local consultation and the limited quantity of natural and semi natural provision in the City Centre, a higher threshold is recommended due to the difficulties in delivering new provision. A 15 minute drive time is deemed appropriate based on local consultation (33% of residents would expect to travel by car).
5.26 The application of this standard will need to be considered in the clear context of the wider value and role of natural and semi natural open space sites. While access to the public is important, in some instances public access can conflict with the biodiversity and habitat benefits that these sites offer. This should be a particularly important consideration during the application of standards phase.
Applying provision standards
5.27 The application of the recommended quality, quantity and accessibility standards is essential to understand the existing distribution of open space, sport and recreation facilities, identify the key issues and highlight areas where provision is insufficient to meet local need.
5.28 The application of the local quantity standard for each area is set out in Table 5.4. The table illustrates the application of the standard against the current provision in each area of the City and also highlights the quantity of population growth that could be sustained before provision falls below the minimum standard (where applicable).
5.29 Due to the nature of the City Centre the quantity standards have not been applied in this area.
Table 5.4 – Application of quantity standard
Area Current balanced against local standard (1.90 hectares per 1000 population)
Additional population growth that could be sustained
East -7.11 Below minimum Central -134.86 Below minimum South -58.83 Below minimum North 174.55 91, Wythenshawe 45.67 24, Overall Currently meets standard
5.30 The application of standards results in the following issues:
- overall, the standard is set at the existing level of provision and the current provision is therefore sufficient to meet minimum standards
- as highlighted previously, there is a significant disparity between the levels of natural open space across the City and only the North Manchester and Wythenshawe areas therefore have sufficient provision to meet the minimum standard
- the greatest shortfall of natural and semi natural open space is found within the Central area (134.86 hectares) – this area contains significantly less natural open spaces than other areas of the City
- when considering the impact that future population growth will have on the demand for natural and semi natural open space, North Manchester will have adequate provision to meet an additional population growth of 91,866 people. Wythenshawe (24,035) can accommodate smaller population increases before provision is insufficient to meet demand.
5.31 The application of the local accessibility standards for natural and semi natural open space is set out in Maps 5.1 and 5.2 overleaf.
5.32 Map 5.1 demonstrates the application of the walk time catchment while Map 5. evaluates the proportion of residents who are within the appropriate drivetime of at least one natural and semi natural open space.
Map 5.2 – Provision of natural and semi natural open space in Manchester (walk time and drive time)
5.33 Maps 5.1 and 5.2 indicate the following:
- despite an uneven distribution of natural and semi natural open spaces in quantitative terms, geographically sites are well dispersed across the City. Nearly all residents in the City have access to a natural or semi natural open space within the recommended 15 minute walk time
- however, areas of deficiency are evident in the east of South Manchester and in the south of the City Centre
- all residents have access to a natural or semi natural open space within a 15 minute drive time.
Future priorities for the provision of natural and semi natural open space across Manchester
5.34 The remainder of this section summarises the key priorities for natural and semi natural open space and then highlights specific issues for each area of the City which arise as a result of the application of the local standards.
5.35 Specifically, the key priorities consider:
- the quality of natural and semi natural open spaces
- improving access to sites
- the protection of existing sites.
5.36 The key priorities have been derived from the main themes arising from consultation, as well as the analysis of existing provision and the application of the standards.
The quality of natural and semi natural open spaces
5.37 Consultation revealed that the quality of natural and semi natural open spaces is as important as the quantity of sites. The need to consider quality from both a recreational and conservation perspective was emphasised.
5.38 From a recreational perspective, while it is not expected that sites will be managed in the same way as parks/amenity green spaces, they should be inviting and controlled.
5.39 The key aspirations for natural and semi natural open spaces identified by residents included nature features, flowers and trees and footpaths. At workshops, residents also highlighted the importance of providing information and learning points. Information boards at local nature reserves were highlighted as a good example of this.
5.40 Site assessments revealed that the quality of natural and semi natural open space in Manchester is average, with the average quality score of sites being 63%. The quality scores of sites ranges significantly (from 20% - 100%) and the average quality scores of sites within the six analysis areas is largely similar, with the exception of Central Manchester, where the average quality score of a site is 56%.
5.41 The highest quality natural and semi natural open space can be found in South Manchester, where the average quality score of a site is 70%. The poorest quality provision is located in Central Manchester, where the average quality score of a site is 56%.
Map 5.3 – Quality of natural and semi natural open space in Manchester
5.47 While enhancement of sites for recreational purposes is important, consideration should also be given to the ecological and conservation opportunities provided and the habitats that these sites can create. As consultation highlights, natural and semi natural open spaces are amongst the most popular of all the open spaces in the City. It is therefore important to ensure that promotion of recreational opportunities on site is balanced with the wider functions of the site and that recreation and wildlife uses are in equilibrium. This will require careful management and maintenance. The Biodiversity Strategy highlights the fact that ecologically-sensitive management practices are already in place at parks and open spaces across the City and that this practice should be promoted further.
NSN2 Support and implement the priorities of the Biodiversity Action Plan. This may include encouraging the use of sustainable and sympathetic management techniques, active conservation management and the preparation of management plans for key sites to protect and increase the biodiversity across the City. The impact of recreation on sites of high biodiversity value should be monitored.
Protecting Natural Open Spaces
5.48 The overriding theme of consultation was the need to protect natural and semi natural open space from development. Linked with this, Manchester’s Biodiversity Strategy aims to protect and enhance biodiversity in the City. The strategy identifies a number of priority habitats at natural or semi natural open space sites across the City and reinforces the biological value of many sites.
5.49 The local quantity standard has been set at the existing level of provision. This places an emphasis on improving the quality of natural open spaces. In light of the importance of these sites to local residents, consideration should be given to the protection of these sites from development. The protection of these sites will also be a key component of the strategy to reduce climate change and promote urban cooling. Protection should extend to all natural and semi natural sites.
5.50 The implications for the LDF of the protection of these sites will be discussed in Section 20.
NSN3 In light of the importance of natural open spaces, allocate all natural open spaces as protected open space through the Local Development Framework. Natural open spaces should only be lost to development where a series of exception criteria can be met
Access to natural and semi natural open spaces and creating a green network
5.51 Site visits highlight that signage is poor at a number of natural open space sites. General access to sites, particularly footpaths, is also considered to be poor at numerous sites.
5.52 Manchester’s Biodiversity Strategy emphasises the importance of increasing access to natural or semi natural open space.
Short – Medium Term / Ongoing
Promote the development of green linkages connecting residents with natural open spaces in nearby areas. This may include opening up access to river and canal corridors as well as making links between existing open spaces.
East Manchester
5.62 Application of the quantity standard indicates that there is insufficient provision of natural and semi natural open space to meet demand.
5.63 Despite this, accessibility mapping suggests that all residents in the area have access to a natural or semi natural open space within the recommended 15 minute walk time. This suggests that the overall distribution of sites is even.
5.64 The quality of natural and semi natural open space in East Manchester is average. The average quality score of a site is 58% and quality scores range significantly from 30% - 80%. Nine sites scored 50% or below, highlighting the need for significant qualitative improvements to a number of sites in the area. Medlock Valley Clayton Vale (53 hectares) is a particularly important site in East Manchester in terms of recreational and wildlife value.
5.65 In light of the even distribution of natural and semi natural open space, priorities should focus on qualitative improvements. As previously recommended, it will be important to maintain a balance between recreation and biodiversity. This focus on quality supports the targets of the New East Manchester SRF, which sets out to restore and enhance unique natural features.
Short – Medium Term
Drive a programme of improvements to the quality of existing natural open spaces, taking into account the findings of the site assessments as well as the need to balance recreation with biodiversity and conservation. Longer Term Promote the development of green linkages connecting residents with open spaces in nearby areas as well as creating wildlife corridors for migration and travel. This may include opening up access to river and canal corridors as well as making links between existing open spaces.
Central Manchester
5.66 With the exception of the City Centre the Central area contains the lowest levels of natural and semi natural open space (7.19 hectares). As a consequence of low levels of provision, application of the quantity standard demonstrates a significant shortfall. (134.86 hectares).
5.67 Despite the greatest quantitative shortfall of natural and semi natural open space accessibility mapping reveals that nearly all residents have access to a natural or semi natural open space within the recommended accessibility catchment. Only a small number of residents in the west (Hulme area) do not have access to a natural or semi natural open space (Figure 5.1).
SECTION 5 – NATURAL AND SEMI NATURAL OPEN SPACE
Figure 5.1 – Deficiencies in Central Manchester
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