Ardwick
Stepping Stones
How it started...
Ardwick is one of the most deprived areas in the country, seeing little action to retain its diminishing green spaces. This has contributed to the local area seeing a loss of around 65% of local biodiversity. Ardwick Climate Action’s aims are to regenerate and rewild areas for the community, offering a series of green spaces that serve to educate and engage local people.
Ardwick Stepping Stones will establish connected green spaces between the city centre and the University of Manchester, creating new and improved habits for nature and people. The project will see residents and local groups engaged in a series of events which also highlight wider environmental concerns and raise awareness of the climate emergency.
The Projects
Project 1
At this major gateway from Piccadilly to Ardwick, five sizeable planters have been placed. The planters contain pollution friendly plants that will serve as a natural barrier for the public against air and noise pollution along one of the city’s most used commuter routes.
Project 2
Development includes the planting of suitable urban plants, hedging surrounding the boarder of the green, central tree with “pie” planting surrounding, a wildflower hummock, natural picnic pods and an orchard as well as further enhancement of the site.
Project 3
Along the central reservation from the roundabout at the Apollo venue, to the Mancunian way, 17 tree pits have now been planted with over 800 bulbs, with any dead or dying trees replaced with healthy and more mature stock.
Project 4
At almost 0.5km in length, a test site was used to ensure the success of hedging along the border of the park against the A6 in 2022.
The test was successful. In 2023, the entire perimeter facing the A6 was completed.
Project 5
We planted a border with various species of plants, climbers and ivy. Two sizable square planters were also placed to discourage parking to further allow access for the school.
Project 6
Here, we will construct an orchard, raised vegetable and fruit beds. They will be carefully tailored for produce to become mature at various points throughout the year.
Project 7
A large wildflower meadow of 80m2 and bulbs are now established. Due to the semi-woodland layout to the area, woodland bulbs will be planted with a clean-up operation for regenerate the area.
Project 8
Along a 0.2km stretch of road bordering Gartside Gardens, a wildflower meadow will be established.
Project 9
Now titled the Lydia Becker Past, Present and Future Garden, this is our major project for 2024.
Hit St. Saviours above to find out more...
Site-wide Initiatives
01.
Signage for Sites
Each site will receive digitally interactive signage designed by a local artist in partnership with The Museum of Manchester and The University of Manchester’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. Using QR codes and translated into over 20 languages for the communities diverse population, visitors to the sites will be able access an array of information on a site-by-site basis. All signage will highlight our partners involved, The Museum of Manchester, The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and Manchester City Council and provide steps to the museum in both human and dinosaur steps. The aim is increase local participation with the establishment and highlight the museum’s new direction to help social causes, diversity and inclusivity.
02.
Community Tool Hire
Ardwick Climate Action have identified a major barrier to uptake in local green spaces. Lack of access to equipment due to economic barriers is key reason for lack of community engagement. To mitigate this, we will be establishing a community tool hire shop, allowing local residents to access tools for free.
03.
Communal Compost Bins
Communal compost bins will be placed at each site for work and residents. This will also have carbon capture properties and aid in mitigating carbon emissions by not taking waste off site.
04.
Bird and Bat Boxes
Bird and bat boxes will be constructed by the community and university volunteers and placed at all sites to increase local biodiversity. Monitoring on its effects is planned.