Our first consideration report
As part of our initial review, we looked at relevant plans, strategies, and activities, including any actions we have taken to enhance biodiversity in Trafford to date. More details of these can be found on this page.
Consultated strategies
Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)
Local Nature Recovery Strategies are a new, England-wide system of strategies that outline priorities and actions to support nature’s recovery. The Greater Manchester LNRS is being prepared by GMCA with our support. This strategy will complement GM and Trafford planning policies and strategies.
Greater Manchester State of Nature Report
Published in March 2024, this report outlines the state of the natural environment in Greater Manchester.
GM Places for Everyone
This plan, adopted by nine Greater Manchester districts, provides strategic spatial planning policies for biodiversity protection. Policy JP-G 9 focuses on improving connections between habitats and enhancing ecological networks.
Trafford Corporate Plan 2024 – 2027
One of the plan’s five priorities is ‘Addressing the climate crisis,’ which includes ensuring Trafford’s green spaces are biodiverse and offer opportunities for residents to be active.
Trafford Local Plan
This plan sets out the vision and policy framework for Trafford’s development. It includes dedicated policies on the natural environment and biodiversity net gain.
Civic Quarter Area Action Plan (CQAAP)
Adopted in January 2023, this plan includes policies requiring major developments to increase site biodiversity and deliver biodiversity net gain.
Carbon Neutral Action Plan
Approved in December 2020 and updated in June 2023, this plan aims to make Trafford carbon neutral by 2038. It includes actions to expand Trafford’s urban forest, deliver green space projects, and progress biodiversity initiatives.
Flood Risk Strategy
As a Lead Local Flood Authority, we develop strategies to manage local flood risks. These strategies consider risks from surface runoff, groundwater, and watercourses.
Current actions in Trafford
We are fulfilling our biodiversity duty under the Environment Act 2021 in the following ways:
- Collaboration with GMCA and Greater Manchester Ecology Unit (GMEU): We collaborate on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) preparation and implementation, supported by Defra funding. GMEU surveys and reports on the condition of Sites of Biological Importance in Trafford.
- Development of GM Local Nature Recovery Strategy: We support the GM Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which focuses on habitats similar to those prioritised in the GM Places for Everyone Plan.
- Trafford Countryside and Nature Partnership: This partnership involves organisations like City of Trees and The Conservation Volunteers, identifying improvements at key sites across The Mersey Valley. Recent funding has supported projects at Sale Water Park, Wellacre Country Park, and Urmston Meadows.
- Strategic Funding Bids: We have submitted funding bids with biodiversity components, such as the Longford Brook de-culverting project and the ‘Lost Wetlands’ study at the former William Wroe Golf Course.
- Land Management: We manage our land to enhance biodiversity by reducing herbicide and pesticide use. Community groups are also supported in accessing grants for biodiversity projects.
- Tree Planting Programmes: Tree planting initiatives across Trafford are supported by the Northern Forest and Nature for Climate funding, in conjunction with City of Trees.
- Support for Species Conservation: We support partners like The Conservation Volunteers and Lancashire Wildlife Trust in projects like the ‘Wet Willow Wildlife’ initiative, which restores habitats for species such as the Willow Tit.