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Blackley Forest was planted by Manchester Corporation and local residents in 1953, becoming the first true community forest. The site has become a valuable community and wildlife resource ever since and was turned into a local Nature Reserve in June 2005 by English Nature and Manchester City Council.

Community work

Community group, the Friends of Blackley Forest, responsible for the management of the forest, is putting its Lottery funding to good use, providing a safe environment for people to go and enjoy the woodland area.

鈥淲ith the money we have received, we鈥檝e created a website, produced ten thousand leaflets to increase awareness of the nature reserve, and we are organising an open day in the forest for local community groups,鈥� says community member Jerry Sorfleet.

鈥淚t has helped people to feel safer while using the forest because more people are going into a woodland area.鈥�

As part of 成人论坛 Breathing Places, a project to get people involved in nature, the Forest will host a number of activities throughout the year.

鈥淏reathing Places is vital in helping us increase the awareness of how urban wildlife is important to the wellbeing of any local community, for the relief of modern day stresses without the need to travel miles out into the open countryside,鈥� explains Jerry.

鈥淚t is also important that schools and local community groups can find out more about the beauty of nature on their own doorstep.鈥�

Get involved

As well as litter picking, tree planting and bird boxes, you can visit the forest to find out more about the wildlife that exists there.

鈥淲ithout doubt, our bat walks through the forest during summer are becoming more popular, 鈥渟ays Jerry.

Jerry says working with the community is the key to improving the environment in which we live.

鈥淲orking with local groups actively involved in improving their own areas has proved to be a vital element in city wide initiatives to improve the environment in Manchester.鈥�

Come along to the Manchester Springwatch Festival on June 9 where you can meet lots of friends of groups - you might even want to join one yourself.

You can also find out more about the type of things you can do to help nature, whether it's in a forest like Blackley or in your own back yard! Find out more about the day at: