A masterplan to reinstate a network of interconnected ‘ghost ponds’, mossy areas and wet woodlands at William Wroe Meadows in Flixton has been recognised nationally by landscape experts.
The Lost Wetlands (Bollin to Mersey) Nature Recovery Project (NRP), one of twelve landscape-scale projects nationwide funded by Defra, aims to transform the natural landscape of south Manchester and of northern Cheshire, which was drained over centuries for agriculture and urban development.
Masterplan designs for William Wroe Meadows involve reclaiming, restoring and ‘re-wetting’ areas of the site, a former golf course now protected as a community greenspace. The work has involved The Environment Partnership (TEP), Natural England, City of Trees and Trafford Council.
Now the designs have been shortlisted for the Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Enhancement Award at the Landscape Institute Awards. The winners will be announced in London on Thursday 14 November.
Biologists also mapped 73,000 hectares across the wider landscape using historic charts and aerial imagery and found over 13,000 areas – including lost and potential ‘ghost ponds’ carefully mapped out – which could be restored to provide much-needed wildlife habitats.
Working with drainage engineers, a masterplan has been set out for recreating wet woodlands, reedbeds, pools, grassland, scrub and deadwood habitats at William Wroe, with improved paths and new boardwalks for community access.
Developed in collaboration with local people through workshops, surveys, and volunteer days, the plan supports endangered species such as the Willow Tit while reducing flood risk, improving water quality, and providing a valuable space for community use and education.
Cllr Aidan Williams, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change said:
“The Lost Wetlands project is a great example of best practice in wetland restoration, and we are delighted that it has been recognised at a national level, as an important part of a wider strategy to reverse biodiversity loss, improve climate resilience, and reconnect people with nature.”
Dr Tom Smart, Natural England Senior Officer for Cheshire to Lancashire, said:
“The Bollin to Mersey Nature Recovery Partnership is restoring a connected network of water, wetland, and woodland habitats across northern Cheshire and southern Greater Manchester—bringing nature closer to where people live, work and play.
“The projects nominated for the Landscape Institute awards show how partnership working across public, private and third sector partners can drive innovation in nature recovery. They also provide vital evidence to guide future habitat creation and restoration, including through Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain.”