Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy - Public Consultation
Feedback updated 29 Apr 2026
We asked
We asked for feedback on the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) aims and targets, priorities for habitats and species, how the strategy would be delivered and the draft Nature Network map.
You said
Between November 2024 and January 2025, over 800 residents, community groups, charities, businesses, farmers and landowners across the city-region engaged with the preparation of this strategy.
Through surveys, workshops, events and webinars, we have heard what people think about the state of our natural environment. For example:
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Although most Greater Manchester residents (69%) are proud of their local area, 55% of survey respondents think that the natural environment where they live is getting worse.
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Almost half of survey respondents said they currently think the state of nature in Greater Manchester is poor (41%) and a further third thought it was in moderate condition (37%)
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Residents stated that they are put off spending time in nature due to a lack of accessible quality green space (14%), a lack of biodiversity (16%), increasing need for land for housing and employment (16%) and green spaces in poor condition (18%).
These responses show a strong concern about the state of Greater Manchester’s natural environment and its decline. Overall, there was broad support the direction of the draft strategy. There was an ask for clearer, more accessible information, stronger links to delivery and accountability, and reassurances about how the LNRS relates to planning and development.
We did
The interest and involvement generated through the public consultation on the draft of the first LNRS has been greatly welcomed. The responses received have provided valuable insights, information, and suggestions. The amendments and alterations that have been made to the Local Nature Recovery Strategy have led to a stronger, more inclusive and improved strategy. We can now move towards the next stage of delivery of the actions to support nature recovery and ensure that plays a valuable and important part in responding to the biodiversity emergency.
You can find more about our response to the consultation in the Public Consultation Report and the published LNRS on our website: Our plan for nature recovery - Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Overview
Nature in Greater Manchester comes in all shapes and sizes. A healthy natural environment is fundamental to Greater Manchester’s sustained economic growth, as well as the health and wellbeing of everyone living and working in the city-region. Nature is being lost globally, nationally, and locally in every district of Greater Manchester. The severity of the situation facing us was recognised by the Mayor of Greater Manchester declaring a biodiversity emergency in 2022.
We all need to work together to do more to reverse biodiversity decline.
A new plan for nature
The Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy has been developed to set out how we can all work together to tackle the biodiversity emergency and improve access to nature. It will be Greater Manchester’s first statutory strategy for nature recovery and we will monitor progress against delivery over the next decade.
In short, it sets out what we all need to do to help nature recover locally. How we can all work together towards a greener city-region, where nature is thriving and where we need to focus our efforts to have the biggest impact. You can access the draft strategy by clicking this link.
Why your views matter
GMCA are currently consulting on the draft Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This public consultation will be open from November 15th 2024 and will close on January 31st 2025.
Everyone’s voice matters and we are seeking your views on the draft strategy today. Your feedback will then be used to shape the final version of the strategy.
As required by statutory guidance, all responses to this public consultation will be anonymised and published after this consultation closes. When answering questions and providing feedback on the strategy do not include information that would personally identify you.
If you need a paper copy of the questions you can download this from this list of documents at the end of the page. If you need assistance to complete the consultation, please email naturerecovery@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk.
What happens next
The consultation on the Greater Manchester Local Nature Recovery Strategy has now closed. We will be anonymising and publishing all responses in 2025. You can find further information on the strategy and keep up-to-date on progress by visiting our website and following @GMGreenCityRegion.
Events
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Community Group Event
From 5 Dec 2025 at 18:30 to 5 Dec 2025 at 20:30Join GMCA for an in-person discussion of the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Greater Manchester. This is an in-person event to connect with like-minded individuals and feedback ideas during the public consultation on the strategy. Book your ticket at:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1067223437029?aff=oddtdtcreator
Audiences
- Academics
- Businesses
- Community, voluntary sector and social enterprises
- General public
- Public sector partners
- Schools, colleges and universities
Interests
- Green
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