Gorton and Abbey Hey

Nature and Biodiversity:

• Successfully deliver the My Wild Neighbourhood nature and biodiversity improvement project. Over the year, plant 1,000 flower bulbs with 10 different community groups or schools in Gorton and Abbey Hey.
• Help to establish a Gorton in Bloom network with at least 15 individual In Bloom applicants.
• Assist Groundwork's Postcode Gardener to improve at least two greenspaces in Gorton and Abbey Hey. Provide any support that Groundwork needs for the wider project.
• Work with Groundwork on an alleyway project at Pinnington Road and Ewan Street. By the end of the year, establish a resident group and have the alleyway cleaned and greened.

Young People:

• Help Wright Robinson College establish a functioning allotment space at Gorton Reservoir Allotments. Support the school with funding and resources if necessary. By the end of the year, aim to have a regular gardening group active at the allotment.
• Hold at least two engagement activities with young people in Gorton and Abbey Hey. Use the sessions to understand their views on the environment and climate change.

Sustainable Transport, Active Travel and Air Quality:

• Celebrate the reopening of the Yellow Brick Road in summer 2025. Stage an activation event in partnership with local residents and community groups such as Wheels for All.
• Secure funding for air pollution-blocking “tredges” in schools over the year. Use Lancaster University’s 2022 "Protecting Playgrounds" study to inform planting decisions. Aim to plant a tredge in at least one school in Gorton and Abbey Hey.
• Run a series of "Bling Your Bike" road safety sessions with Bee Pedal Ready. Secure funding to run the sessions in schools during Road Safety Week in November 2025. Aim to engage at least 100 Gorton and Abbey Hey residents on cycle safety.

Things We Buy, Use and Throw Away:

• Ensure Biffa or other waste partners are present at every event hosted throughout the year. Help them engage with at least 50 residents on waste and recycling.
• Ensure that all events throughout the year avoid single-use plastics such as disposable coffee cups.
• Host at least two cleaning and greening events during the 2026 Great British Spring Clean. Aim to engage at least 25 people at the events.

Food:

• Use Neighbourhood Investment Funding to support at least two food growing projects in the ward by the end of the year.
• Help one group in Gorton set up an on-site composting system to reuse their food waste by the end of the year.

Homes and Energy Efficiency:

• Aim to get at least 50 referrals to the Greater Manchester Retrofit Portal over the year.

Engagement, Raising Awareness, Influencing Change:

• Encourage at least two new groups to apply for Neighbourhood Investment Funding for climate change and environment projects.
• Attend community events to speak with residents about climate change and the environment. Engage at least 50 Gorton and Abbey Hey residents on the topic.

Want to know what progress we made on last year's objectives in Gorton and Abbey Hey? Email centralnt@manchester.gov.uk