GROWGREEN
GrowGreen is a transnational project which focused on the use of nature based solutions (NBS) in creating climate resilience.
It was funded by European Union’s Horizon research and innovation programme. A key output for the project was the creation and evaluation of new, accessible multi-functional neighbourhood green space.
As a GrowGreen partner, Manchester developed the West Gorton Community Park as a recreational green space within a wider regeneration programme which created over 500 new homes. The park, which is the size of three football pitches, was completed in Summer 2020 and includes NBS features that help alleviate some of the negative effects of climate change.
Nicknamed the ‘Sponge Park’ due to it ability to soak up excess water the park’s innovative design demonstrates how NBS can help combat the impacts of climate change.
“It’s not just about planting a few trees in a neighbourhood, it's about absolutely increasing resilience”
- Project Partner
Some of the parks specialist features include:
Widespread use of water-loving plants and design features which help capture excess water from nearby roads and slow the rate at which it flows into drains
Swales, shallow trenches planted with aquatic vegetation which store and help absorb excess surface water
Rain gardens – attractive low level, wildlife-friendly spaces (which water naturally runs into) filled with thirsty plants which can handle being waterlogged
Bioretention tree pits – designed to receive stormwater and store it for gradual absorption through the root system
“We now have a beautiful greenspace to help nature and share with the community”
- Local Resident
DEMONSTRATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS
A 2 year monitoring and evaluation period resulted in the evidence base which demonstrates that the NBS interventions have been effective in reducing water run-off and increasing biodiversity. In addition, data has shown a positive impact on social cohesion, health and well-being.
Further details are included in these downloadable growgreenproject.eu fact sheets:
Park film: West Gorton Community Park | 2 years later
“From the outset, it kind of demonstrates to people that we're very much about changing landscapes and improving environments”
- Project Partner
WEST GORTON COMMUNITY PARK - MONITORING & EVALUATION RESULTS
Click on the icons to find out more
“My grandson said ‘what’s that for?’
Well, I said ‘it’s to collect the rainwater and to help feed the plants’”- Local Resident
KEY STRATEGIES IN MANCHESTER
The GrowGreen project provided Manchester with the opportunity to review key strategies.
The Manchester Green & Blue Strategy was refreshed. Although the city had a Green Infrastructure plan which established a baseline of how much of the city was made up of green and blue spaces, the review in 2018 helped to demonstrate that the city is making progress and also helped to update and refine the Implementation Plan.
Download our roadmap and supporting process note for strategy development in the city:
OUR RIVERS OUR CITY
The GrowGreen project also supported the development of the river valleys action plans to reduce flood risk in the city.
Based on the Sponge Cities concept and the ‘Our Rivers Our City’ campaign to engage citizens in the development of action plans for three of the city’s river valleys.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Find out more about the Gorton Climate Resilient (Sponge) Park in Manchester
To find out more about the GrowGreen project please go to: Home - GrowGreen
West Gorton Community 'Sponge' Park
West Gorton Community 'Sponge' Park
Wild flowers at West Gorton Community 'Sponge' Park
Nature Based Solutions at West Gorton Community 'Sponge' Park
West Gorton Community 'Sponge' Park
West Gorton Community 'Sponge' Park
West Gorton Community 'Sponge' Park
Final Conference, Brest 2022
WEST GORTON COMMUNITY PARK - PARTNERS
