Here at Natural Course, we have an extensive monitoring and evaluation programme which includes detailed interim reports and the hosting of formal ‘Mission’ visits from NEEMO (the external monitors for LIFE Projects). At the start of May, we hosted a very successful two-day Mission in Penrith.  We were joined in…

We caught up with Krista Patrick, Natural Capital Coordinator at GMCA to learn how the natural capital approach has evolved in Greater Manchester. Background The growing need to conserve and enhance natural capital is well documented. We know that we are depleting natural resources faster than the earth can replenish them. …

New Action Plan developed to bring the River Irk to life The Action Plan identifies and prioritises restoration projects and provides a funding strategy A new Action Plan has been launched (22nd October 2021) for the River Irk, that will help transform this neglected river into a thriving waterway that…

Greater Manchester Combined Authority commission a River Corridor Study of the Whittle Brook Catchment in Bury and Rochdale. Findings and recommendations will inform the strategic and detailed planning of the Heywood-Pilsworth development. Whittle Brook runs through mostly agricultural land between Bury and Rochdale in Greater Manchester and the catchment includes…

Mark Turner, Natural Course Greater Manchester Team Leader, gives us an overview of what happened at the inaugural Greater Manchester Water Forum…  The Greater Manchester Water Forum met for the first time on Friday 18th June 2021 as part of the Greater Manchester Natural Capital Group annual conference and as…

Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Natural Course have just launched a new Natural Capital User Guide. Natural capital tools provide decision makers with the information and evidence to make more informed, joined-up decisions on the protection of the natural environment and investment projects. Natural Course has been supporting Greater Manchester…

Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Natural Course launches new Natural Capital User Guide It is designed to be the ‘go to’ reference point for all things natural capital across Greater Manchester. Natural capital tools give decision makers at all levels the tools and evidence to make more informed, joined-up decisions.…

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…

New investment approach announced to involve private sector in environmental projects, helping to tackle climate change and restore nature. Natural Course has supported two of the four selected projects It was announced (1st June 2020) that four projects which will protect and restore valuable habitats have been selected to receive…

Krista Patrick, the Natural Capital Coordinator for Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Natural Course, takes some time to explain the Natural Capital Approach being taken in Greater Manchester. Our relationship with the natural world is changing, which provides real opportunities for us to apply natural capital ideas and approaches.  As…