Natural Course

Background: A core theme of Natural Course is using a Natural Capital approach to generate new and greater resources for natural environment projects. In Phase 2 of the Natural Course project, accounts of the Irwell Catchment’s existing Natural Capital and a series of Ecosystem Services Opportunity tools were created. These…

A joint project to open up the River Croal catchment to migratory fish has been completed. The removal of a disused failing weir on the River Tonge will help combat long-term declines in fish stocks and boost other wildlife. Partnership project between the Environment Agency, Groundwork, Greater Manchester Combined Authority,…

Virtual launch of Wyre Natural Flood Management Investment Readiness project attended by Environment Agency Chair Partnership project to enhance the local environment and protect against flood risk  Background Natural flood management interventions can give multiple benefits to the environment, however funding is often limited in this area.  New and innovative…

New natural ‘leaky dams’ have been constructed on Crompton Moor, Oldham The dams are designed to slow the flow of water before it reaches towns and villages further downstream of the River Beal, including Shaw and Crompton The latest part of a project which uses natural methods to reduce flood…

14th September 2020 marks the launch of a brand new environmental campaign for Greater Manchester. It aims to raise awareness of the work being delivered around the natural environment, and inspire residents, businesses and policy makers across the region to work together to improve it. The campaign, which is part…

Following on from the publication of a series of Greater Manchester natural capital accounts and ecosystem services opportunity mapping tools we would like to gain a better understanding of how they are being been used in decision making processes.  This includes identifying examples of how they’ve been used and any…

Our Natural Course partner Natural England have provided us a quick update on how things are progressing with the development of the Integrated Ecological Network Tool, which aims to highlight habitat restoration and creation opportunities in Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Background Historic habitat loss and degradation means that…

Our partner Natural England have provided us a quick update on the Rostherne Mere Restoration project, an element of the larger catchment operation Cheshire Hub action. Here at Natural England, we feel that Rostherne Mere is a pretty special place for nature.  Designated as a Site of Scientific Special Interest…

Natural Course commissions study into water governance across the North West Phase 1 high level study of arrangements in North West River Basin District completed by stakeholders Rivers flow through private land and public places, crossing different geographical and political boundaries.  So, when thinking about who is responsible for the…

The Rivers Trust release new video to explain Natural Flood Management interventions   A new video has been released by our partners The Rivers Trust to help explain the different types of Natural Flood Management interventions that could be considered as part of the new Investment Readiness project in the…