Workstream #4 - Climate Change Adaptation and Carbon Sequestration
Progress report - workstream #4
(updates included where progress has been made this quarter)
4.1 Work has commenced on capturing tree planting activity carried out by partner organisations across the city during the current planting season (November 2020-March 2021).
4.2 Through the Grow Green Horizon 2020 project, £20,000 has been made available to procure a partner to work with the West Gorton community and setup a ‘Friends of’ group for the ‘Sponge Park’ by April 2022. A Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office event was held in February and showcased Manchester’s nature-based solution projects, including the West Gorton Community Park, Mayfield development and Northern Gateway development.
4.3 An officer is now in post to support the management of the Tree Action Manchester programme over the next 2 years. An initial draft of ‘Evolution of Treescape’ is being refined with consideration of the appropriate format for a summary and online version. Recommendations for opportunities and challenges in managing Manchester's trees is being drafted, with a key message that carbon storage and sequestration within our existing large trees is vital. A mapping tool for Beacon trees has also been designed by TEP, this has a range of potential uses by the Council and partners which include interactive engagement and consultation for local tree planting.
4.4 Council officers have engaged with members, residents and other stakeholders delivering tree planting projects across 10 wards. It is estimated that in total 457 trees and 550 hedge trees will have been planted by the Council during the November 2020 to March 2021 planting season. Through successful neighbourhood engagement with residents on Brunswick Road and Burlington Road, Withington, residents selected their own tree types and suggested locations for planting. These residents have also made a commitment to help look after their trees by maintaining them and watering during periods of dry weather. Two community orchard engagement sessions were held with 20 residents from around Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield and Delamere Park in Openshaw. Two further events are being planned, which will also include residents from Kenworthy Wood in Northenden.