<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670336319/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/ff552842-c863-460e-9b2f-529486d55407.png" /> We&#39;re moving to a new website Tomorrow the In Our Nature programme is moving over to a new website. We&#39;ll continue to share useful climate action tips, inspiring stories, and events and activities across Manchester, but we&#39;ll have a slightly new look! Thanks so much for following In Our Nature so far. We&#39;ve got 3 more packed years of In Our Nature still to go and we&#39;d love to stay in touch. To keep following In Our Nature and subscribe to our new newsletter, <a href="https://mailchi.mp/51f048d28f8a/zcq4o9wjx4">sign up here. </a> See you soon

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In February 2022, Manchester-based photographer Rebecca (Bec) Lupton began a project called Green City Photos, with the aim of documenting local environmental projects across the city. Through her storytelling and interactions with various groups, Bec’s photographs have encapsulated a network of climate activism on a broad scale, as she’s sought to document and facilitate a network of Manchester residents who can collectively become more than the sum of their parts. We caught up with Bec to ask how the project got started, where it’s headed and what she’s learnt along the way… <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670234989/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/de7c005f-2540-418f-9f5a-8d6fa082cde6.jpg" /> How did your Green City Photos project get started? There were probably a few different things that triggered me wanting to do it. I’d just finished one ten year long project and I thought it would be really nice to do something totally new, and something that was more fun and positive. The previous project had been about motherhood and when I started it I had young kids of my own who are now grown up. It was a key part of my life, but it was starting to become a bit less relevant for me. I started thinking about it around the time that they were thinking of bringing in a congestion charge, which I thought would be a really positive thing for what it could potentially do for Manchester. And then when I saw that actually the majority of people in Manchester seemed really against it, I thought “oh no!” There seemed to be these two camps of people who were either engaging with the environment and then people who were totally disconnected. So, I thought can I use my skills as a photographer and storyteller to show that there doesn’t need to be a big disconnect, and that there isn’t much of a difference between those groups. I thought it would be really nice to show people with images and stories that small changes can be made in people’s lives to improve the environment. The project is very people focussed, was that an intentional choice? In all the projects I’ve done over the years, I’ve realised that the best way to connect with people is to see them as equals and have conversations with people over longer periods. It’s a slow process but it does seem to work. Projects like this tend to trickle along and they don’t really cause much of a ripple, but the more people you meet and the more people you introduce to each other, then the roots of the project spread further. And then it sort of comes full circle and I realise that there’s this whole network that exists. It’s about helping that network come together and realise that there’s this big community that together can be quite a strong body. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670235026/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/afce13cc-d242-4917-9242-29f687c2b7bd.jpg" /> Who is your intended target audience? I’ve kind of been holding back a little bit with the actual images because I’ve still not come to the conclusion with what I want to do with them afterwards, and I didn’t want to overshare them on Instagram just in case I do an exhibition or something like that. So Instagram is more like sharing a work-in-progress or an online sketchbook. The people who I wanted to reach were definitely a younger audience and an audience who might accidentally come across it. But with the nature of algorithms, I’m basically preaching to the converted at the moment. So, the people who’ve reached out tend to already be doing quite a lot and know about things that are already happening in Manchester. So that’s my next challenge, to diversify my audience and make the connections with people who aren’t engaged. At this stage of the project it’s more about discovery and research, and after a year of taking photos I’ll start to think about what I can do with these images and how I can reach those people who I want to show the work to and make this subject less scary or foreign to them. People can sometimes be a bit dismissive about the power of individual actions when it comes to climate change, what are your thoughts on that? Part of me originally questioned how big of a change we can actually make as individuals, so I’ve been interested in seeing if these kinds of initiatives will make a difference. And part of me is still approaching it quite tentatively because these things are difficult to measure and I’m not a scientist. But I feel like we can’t just sit around and observe what’s going on when we know that we’re doing things that are bad for the environment, and our culture is so led by consumerism. I can see that even if we weren’t making a huge difference, we really need to change our culture and the way we behave, and I don’t think anyone can argue against that. You can make the argument that the big companies and corporations need to be held to account, which is true, but they’re not the only ones to blame are they? I think each individual has to accept that they’re a part of it and that they continue to be part of it. Another interesting thing about this project is that I’ve begun to focus on mental health and wellbeing and nutrition, which I didn’t think would end up being a huge part of it. I’ve witnessed all of these ways that people have improved their lives, and in every project that I document I meet happy people who have lovely social lives and they’re eating healthily and they’re learning. To me it shouts out that whether these are small things or tiny little bits of the puzzle, when you see all of these individuals together it becomes a huge thing that’s really important. There’s always a tinge of worry about the future and the environment, and those discussions come up. But I always come away feeling really positive and really happy, and I think this is probably the most selfish project I’ve ever done because I come home and I’m always in a great mood and I say: “I wish I did that every day”. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670235081/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/39e0c8c6-19af-4bfe-bacf-47ff5bc4e096.jpg" /> What are your next steps in moving the project forward? I’ve got at least another three months left. I’m still not sure if I’ll finish it in February or if it’ll continue in a more organic way after that. I think from about Spring I’d like to start some sort of exhibition. Sometimes when I meet these people, I sort of forget that I’m a photographer, so the images become secondary and it becomes more about the people I’ve been meeting really. I think there’ll be some sort of consultation with them to see what they’d like to do and to see how they’d benefit from me continuing the project. Someone said that if we could make a map of all the projects and groups, that would be beneficial. I’d quite like to display the images in places where you wouldn’t usually expect to find them, whether that’s in shop windows or in a free newspaper or something like that. I’d like to do something beyond the network that’s already been made. I definitely feel like I’m a facilitator in all this, I’m not an important person other than in how I can bring people together really. I think it’d be great to get people to chat to an audience about what others do in their communities and have more of a social gathering to give people ideas and inspire them, and share what they’ve learnt from their journeys. A lot of the people I’ve met have only been doing these things for the past year or two, so a lot of it is new to them and they’ve made changes in their lives which can be really inspiring. I think for most people, they have a really simple motivation that they want to do something locally, or meet people, or learn about growing food for example. And the environmental impact can be quite low down on their list of motivations. These groups then become really close, almost like families, and members develop their own specialisms and they become so proud of the spaces they’ve created, which are sort of sacred to them. I don’t think they realise that there are sometimes almost identical little spaces near them, and I’m not sure that they realise the benefit of reaching out to others. What does climate action mean to you? I think maybe five years ago, if you’d have asked me that, I’d have said it was protesting, and doing quite visible and pushy activism, writing letters to politicians and things like that. And I still think that is climate action and that there’s a place for it. But I think it’s important to balance that out with positivity, and show how you can make small changes in your life that don’t have a negative impact. Just looking within what you’re doing and seeing what’s an achievable change you can make. I don’t think we need to make ourselves feel terrible all the time, but it’s very easy to take the easy route sometimes. Climate action to me is all those small, subtle changes that people have made by identifying what is achievable and understanding what they can do. If you’d like to learn more about Green City Photos or reach out to Bec, head to her Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/green_city_photos/">here</a>. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1670235101/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/ec6d45e3-b7bc-424d-97f8-c7db5f8ecac1.jpg" />

Stories We Love - Green City Photos

Sustainability is at the heart of to everything Forest Green Rovers do. Here are some of the ways they are changing the game by bringing climate action centre forward... <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1669393652/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/ca5f0c22-ca66-4410-9d57-cad4a31d0743.jpg" /> The World’s only vegan club Forest Green Rovers are all about vegan food and less waste (the players even take vegan food to their away matches). They work with Quorn and Oatly to share delicious vegan food at their matches and have introduced a wash and re-use system for all their cups and chip trays this season. Cutting emissions from travel Football involves a lot of travel, for both teams and fans, and it’s a one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions. FGR teams use electric coaches and minibuses and they organise group travel for fans to away games. At home, fans are encouraged to cycle or use the park and ride to get to matches. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1669393819/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/7ae10733-da18-4c86-9cde-a4a887153166.jpg" /> Bringing nature home FGR’s organic pitch not only captures rainwater and recycles it back for when they water it, it’s also managed without chemicals and pesticides and has a wildflower boarder to boost biodiversity. They even have their own beehive! Reducing energy and plastics FGR have solar panels that provide 20% of their annual electric needs and the rest comes from renewable sources and carbon neutral gas. They also work with the Sea Shepherd campaign to stop plastics from entering the ocean, by avoiding single-use plastics and using refillable bottles. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1669393707/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/85906855-02d4-4a0c-b677-84f9fb89ba5c.jpg" /> To find out more about Forest Green Rovers and their sustainability initiatives, head <a href="https://www.fgr.co.uk/another-way">here</a>

Stories We Love - Forest Green Rovers

Find out ways to live, work and travel in ways that are good for us, our communities and the environment. Together we can find ways to protect our environment.

A greener, healthier and more connected Manchester

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In Our Nature

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Take this short survey to have your say on the development of the city’s climate action plan.

Have your say!

Have your say 

<h1>Have your say on the city&#39;s climate action plans!</h1><h3>Tell us what you think about how we can all help to reduce our carbon emissions and what is stopping you from doing more.</h3>We are asking you, our residents, and communities, about the kinds of actions you are already taking to reduce your carbon emissions, and what support you need to do more. This information will help us understand the barriers you are facing that are stopping you reducing your carbon footprint, and to develop the actions that we all must do now.&nbsp;We know that we must all act now and prioritise actions to drastically reduce the city&rsquo;s carbon emissions over the next few years &ndash; these actions will form the basis of the city&rsquo;s new Climate Change Framework and Action Plan 2021-2025 (called Framework 2).&nbsp;<h3>How can you help?&nbsp;</h3>Manchester is aiming to be a thriving, zero carbon, climate-resilient city. Science indicates that if the city is to play its full part in tackling the global challenge of climate change, rapid reductions in carbon emissions are required. Manchester has adopted a carbon budget that requires a halving of emissions in the period between 2018 and 2025 and has set a target to be zero carbon by 2038 at the latest. The Climate Change Agency, on behalf of the city, is currently developing an action plan setting out, in more detail, the actions required to meet the target. This will build on Manchester&rsquo;s Climate Change Framework which was adopted last year. The revised framework and Action Plan will identify the actions and contributions needed from different groups and sectors in Manchester to meet the targets set for 2025.As part of this work, we also said we would develop a better understanding of the city&rsquo;s consumption-based emissions (that is emissions produced as a consequence of the things we buy and use), and a better understand the level of risks faced by our residents and businesses as a result of climate change. This is so that we can focus effort on those residents who are most in need and help the city to adapt to climate change and become more resilient.&nbsp;<h3>Consultation process</h3>This consultation is in 2 stages - this first stage will run from 13th September until Spring 2022. &nbsp; &nbsp;The second stage will take place in May 2022 (tbc); please <a href="https://hubbub.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=67b4819223cbe3616e119e7c7&id=ef139af8b1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sign up to our mailing list to be notified when it goes live</a>.We anticipate that this questionnaire will take no more than 20 minutes to complete. Please answer to the best of your knowledge but do not worry if you are unable to answer all of the questions. All the feedback that you provide will be of value as we are keen to learn about your successes and challenges.If you wish to provide any further details or discuss your response, please feel free to email <a data-fr-linked="true" href="mailto:info@manchesterclimate.com">info@manchesterclimate.com</a>.If you are using a Chrome browser please right-click on this page and select &#39;Translate&#39; to read content in your language.

<h2>Part 1: Your Actions Count!</h2> <h2>My home</h2>Our homes are one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions due to the energy required to heat and run them. Carbon emissions may be created from the electricity or gas we use when running appliances and lighting, when heating water and heating rooms as well as cooling.Where the energy we use to power our homes comes from is important. Lots of this energy comes from burning fossil fuels. Instead, we need to make sure this energy comes from green, renewable sources such as wind or solar.

<h2>My transport choices</h2>Transport is also a large source of carbon emissions, especially from road transport and air travel. The more journeys by car and flights taken instead of by other ways of travelling, the more carbon emitted. Road transport also responsible for poor air quality which has an impact on local communities. This sector also includes how our stuff is moved around the world and the journey our packages go on.

<h2 dir="ltr">My food choices</h2>Food can also be a source of carbon both in the production of food and when it is wasted. Meat, like beef and lamb, have higher carbon emissions because of the land, water, and energy used to feed and rear animals and the emissions produced by animals themselves. Milk and dairy products are also sources of carbon emissions. Choosing to eat more plant based foods can reduce the carbon impacts of food and may be healthier too. Choosing to eat fruit and vegetables that are in season in the UK and buying local produce can reduce the carbon impacts.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">The things we buy and throw away</h2>All the &lsquo;stuff&rsquo; in the world has a carbon footprint for it to be produced, packaged, and transported, so the less new stuff we buy, the smaller our impact. This also helps to reduce our waste. Recycling or reusing items helps to save the energy that would have been used in producing a new product.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Green spaces and nature</h2>Our city&rsquo;s green spaces, trees and other green space such as gardens and parks, can absorb carbon out of the atmosphere, so it is important to protect them. Nature also plays an important role in helping to protect us from the effects of climate change. By protecting and maintaining our city&rsquo;s green spaces we can provide vital homes for wildlife, reduce surface water flooding, help tackle climate change, make us feel better and even keep temperatures lower, so planting trees, growing fruit and vegetable and not paving over your lawn or driveway can all help.&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Engaging and empowering others</h2>Speaking up about the climate emergency we are in and asking others, including our employers, how they are tackling climate change are important actions that are often overlooked. We assume everyone knows and understands about climate change and know what to do &ndash; but are we right? &nbsp;There are some actions you can take now such as talking more to friends, family and work colleagues, as well as asking what our elected politicians think and are doing! &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 dir="ltr">Part 2: Support! What help do you need and why?&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 dir="ltr">What more support do you need to act on climate change?</h2>We know that our residents and communities will need support to help them reduce their own carbon emissions and the city&rsquo;s emissions.&nbsp;This could be for example: better public transport, access to locally grown and plant-based foods or finance to buy renewable energy for our homes.&nbsp;

<h2> </h2><h2>Manchester&rsquo;s climate impacts</h2>

Check out our free downloadable In Our Nature resources. Find handy guides, flyer templates, social media assets and more!

Photo of woman holding flyer

Free resources 

Free In Our Nature resources 

<h2>Want to inspire people to take climate action but not sure where to start or how to talk about environmental topics? Look no further.&nbsp;</h2>Over the coming months, we&rsquo;ll be creating a series of handy guides filled with top tips on how to talk about key themes such as nature, food, fashion, recycling, energy and water, money and more. You&#39;ll also find lots of ready-to-share content!Whether you&#39;re part of a Neighbourhood teams, communications team, a community engagement officer or anyone responsible for planning communications and engagement activities, this is the guide for you!<h2>Take a look at our first guide on how to talk about nature</h2>

Want to get your hands on a physical copy of the guide? <a class="fr-strong" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GA1Uxyoryp5t-deX4_OjLE5m5KpQtcdQ/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download the print ready version here.</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Take a look at our second guide on how to talk about fashion</h2><div style="position:relative;padding-top:max(60%,326px);height:0;width:100%;"><iframe sandbox="allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation allow-downloads allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-modals allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox" allowfullscreen="true" style="position:absolute;border:none;width:100%;height:100%;left:0;right:0;top:0;bottom:0;" src="https://e.issuu.com/embed.html?d=fashion_guide_digital_&u=hubbubuk"></iframe></div>Want to get your hands on a physical copy of the guide? <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cwr4se83bnragp4/AABgrKoiscvjMkWsXgVmZku6a?dl=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download the print ready version here.</a>

<h2>Printable In Our Nature materials</h2>As part of the In Our Nature programme we&#39;ve created lots of designed assets and materials which you&#39;re welcome to download and use.&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oEHjnMFiXc-P90lhMozhNtLAvU3ao98B?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ndfFFPHDGa0HHvGJRp_qAAeB56gPI3zm/view?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download our printable Energy bills toolkit to get you ready for Winter here.</a></li><li><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oEHjnMFiXc-P90lhMozhNtLAvU3ao98B?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download our A5 printable flyer template here.</a></li><li><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BhWcqcNEBftF6XxGga_y6UAtGUzJsAmM?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download the In Our Nature A6 printable postcard here.</a></li><li><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jfK_SsmS8mirERMAUEsBsz6QUalq_QS2?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download our themed A5 tips flyers here.&nbsp;</a></li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1629816923/projects/mgqx2ozwu4g4n8h34lxi.png" style="width: 380px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1629816933/projects/hdghlzjxb5alssexh0hr.png" style="width: 380px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1629816941/projects/othnc89kwtacpw30kiid.png" style="width: 380px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <h2>Digital In Our Nature assets</h2><a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wB_Wvn5yvoQetwFAVKUAXG-MODauvJl6?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a><a class="fr-strong" href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wB_Wvn5yvoQetwFAVKUAXG-MODauvJl6?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Download social media assets here.&nbsp;</a>Help spread the word and share what actions you&#39;re taking! Don&#39;t forget to share with&nbsp;#InOurNature&nbsp;and tag us @inournaturemcr.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1629818456/projects/adtjauxwka9iyu8pwkg4.jpg" style="width: 380px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1629821954/projects/pbhindfhyuapxhgj2wc6.gif" style="width: 380px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1629822226/projects/au2jugwrwldlleghyzj2.jpg" style="width: 380px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">

Manchester welcomes the wild, it's #InOurNature. Check out volunteering activities and interactive experiences to join to make our city greener. 

Illustrations of people in Moss Side park

Join the nature takeover 

What a year we&rsquo;ve had! But one good thing that has come out of the past year is nature. Many of us have found ourselves spending more time in local parks, in search of green space and tending to our gardens. However, in Manchester like in many urban areas, nature can feel like a distant thing, and many of us face barriers, real or perceived, to spending time in green spaces. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not for me!&rdquo; &ldquo;It&rsquo;s too far away&rdquo; &ldquo;Why should I go and what should I do there?&rdquo;&nbsp;Research shows  good things happen when people feel connected to nature. Our mission: demonstrate that the multiple benefits of nature can be enjoyed by everybody, no matter where you live, how much time you have, or money you can spend.&nbsp;But first, we listened. To shape what this could look like we found out what people want to see, hear, smell, touch and taste in their area and have used these ideas to develop a range of projects to make the city wilder and greener.Manchester welcomes the wild, it&#39;s #InOurNature<iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9yoyVQpaDuo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

<h1>4 ways you can get involved today&nbsp;</h1>Want to make a change in your community, meet people in your local area, learn new skills and feel great?&nbsp;<span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"bf66f1c5-4dca-445f-988d-b252592e4fe1|79","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>From spending an afternoon supporting&nbsp;a community project&nbsp;in Moss Side,&nbsp;to spotting and recording&nbsp;the presence of a&nbsp;grey heron on&nbsp;your&nbsp;walk&nbsp;along the&nbsp;canal,&nbsp;or&nbsp;doing&nbsp;an&nbsp;immersive experience in the heart of the city, there is something for everyone &ndash; so get your hands dirty and help nature take over Manchester!&nbsp;<h2>1. Immerse yourself in nature</h2><h3>Missed the #InOurNature pop-up shop?&nbsp;</h3><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636454359/projects/rglfbjhaur1gblndgmmr.jpg" style="width: 50%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636454381/projects/so7wgrxyumwlcqqi6sdp.jpg" style="width: 50%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">We invited people to step in and tune out of busy day-to-day life and reset and rejuvenate through experiencing the many benefits of nature.A natural oasis in the heart of Manchester; the pop up offered an immersive experience, hidden within what appears to be an everyday shop that&rsquo;s been taken over by nature. You could relax on grass, be surrounded by plants, the smells of nature and projections of green spaces from around the city. At the centre of the experience is a sound installation, featuring &#39;the sound of Manchester&#39;s nature&#39; tracks created in collaboration with sound artist and composer Jason Singh and Manchester&rsquo;s spoken word collective Young Identity. As part of this sound installation, we invited people to listen to these tracks created by transforming &lsquo;biodata&rsquo; generated from plants around Moss Side and a mix of voices from local residents, and vote on their favourite.Before leaving the shop, people &lsquo;checked out&rsquo; and left with tangible ways to take action to support local nature and left feeling reconnected and energised to do something good for the environment.<h3>And the winning track is...*drumroll please* <a href="https://soundcloud.com/hubbub-uk/in-our-nature-x-jason-singh" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here to listen.&nbsp;</a></h3><h2>2. Spot local wildlife&nbsp;</h2>Introducing your neighbours Wayne the wasp, Herbert the grey heron, Leon the ladybird, Sasha the starling, Daphne the dandelion and Pip the peregrine. They are all native species of Manchester, looking for your attention.&nbsp;Want to build Leon a party pad, help Wayne buzz around or spotted a starling? We&rsquo;ve put signs up across the City highlighting these local wildlife celebs. Send us a photo of any signs you spot to our social media channel @InOurNaturemcr, we&rsquo;d love to see them!<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636454259/projects/nwqir5gmheddkqlfobwz.jpg" style="width: 50%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636455327/projects/esa8sr0ptdbcxgxqfujm.jpg" style="width: 50%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"><h2>3. Welcome the wild</h2>When was the last time you simply took time to take a slow stroll through your local park or observe the trees in your street?&nbsp;There&#39;s lots of ways you can connect with nature, celebrate local green space and welcome the wild in your everyday life, from starting to grow some veggies and herbs at home to choosing a greener way to move around the city.&nbsp;In Our Nature is here to support you on this journey!Hungry for more? Make the most of free resources developed by our friends at <a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.lancswt.org.uk/our-work/projects/my-wild-city">My Wild City</a> or <a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/">Nature on Your Doorstep.</a>Don&rsquo;t know where to start? A good first step could be to make your clicks count and <a class="fr-strong" href="http://ecosia.co/inournature">switch your search engine to Ecosia.&nbsp;</a>It takes 2 minutes, and what&rsquo;s not to like about turning your searches into trees?<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636454549/projects/dlkkfquetoh9oguem7ag.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h2>4. Dig into community projects</h2>Thank you to everyone who took part in our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/greatbiggreenweek/" tabindex="0">#GreatBigGreenWeek</a>! We had over 80 volunteers attend our events and workshops. Together we:⁠ 🎨 Transformed an unloved courtyard into welcoming nature haven⁠ 🥕 Gave a community allotment a makeover⁠ 🐔 Helped create an innovative agroforestry project⁠ 🎵 Used technology to create songs using plants and trees in Manchester⁠ 🎤 Shared poetry and spoken word to capture how nature has shaped our lives.⁠

Want to get involved in future #InOurNature events and activities? <a href="https://hubbub.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=67b4819223cbe3616e119e7c7&id=ef139af8b1" target="_blank">Sign up here to</a> <a href="https://hubbub.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=67b4819223cbe3616e119e7c7&id=ef139af8b1" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://hubbub.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=67b4819223cbe3616e119e7c7&id=ef139af8b1" target="_blank"></a>get programme updates, tips and inspiration straight to your inbox.&nbsp;

Find out about Manchester’s first community assembly on climate change.


Get involved and spread the word

In Our Nature Community Assembly

In Our Nature and Envirolution Climate Change Assembly

<h2 style="text-align: left;">As part of the In Our Nature Programme we held Manchester&rsquo;s first ever Community Assembly on climate change which enabled people from across the city to play a key role in shaping our response to the climate emergency!</h2><iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dy1ueteOFN4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1633607912/projects/rdrtsvvczoqivnrlqy9r.jpg" style="width: 1200px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Residents from all over Manchester were invited to take part in the city&#39;s first ever Community Assembly on climate change. This was a unique opportunity for participants to play a key role in shaping the future of our city. With your ideas, thoughts and input we can create a city that&#39;s greener, healthier and more connected.What is a Community Assembly?A Community Assembly is when a group of citizens come together to learn about and discuss a particular issue of local, national or international importance. In this case, climate change. It gives members of the public the time and opportunity to hear directly from experts, share their ideas and thoughts, and propose answers to questions through rational and reasoned discussion.&nbsp;Why did Manchester run one?&nbsp;Climate change could be the biggest threat humanity has ever faced! In response, Manchester City Council has committed to reducing the city&rsquo;s carbon emissions to net zero by 2038 &ndash; or earlier. &nbsp;The Community Assembly on climate change was run by Envirolution, Manchester Climate Change Agency and In Our Nature to learn from residents all over Manchester about what support they need to reduce their emissions and give them the opportunity to use their ideas and thoughts to help shape the future of our city. &nbsp;Who attended and what did it involve?The Community Assembly was made up of representatives from across Manchester who came together over a seven-week period to take part in workshops from experts and discuss issues such as transport, buildings and energy, food and agriculture, fashion and retail and the emotional impact of climate change. Groups worked together to create action plans for local areas and a strategy for city wide impact.&nbsp;A mandate has also been created describing actions that are not possible by our residents. Infrastructure and policy changes are needed for us to transition towards a more sustainable society and safer future for us all. This was presented to Manchester City Council and is being taken to COP26 &ndash; the international climate conference taking place in Glasgow in November 2021.The Community Assembly was made possible with funding from the URBACT&nbsp;Zero Carbon Cities network.Got any questions about the Community Assembly?&nbsp;<a href="https://commonplace-cloudfront.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/resources/projects/zerocarbonmanchester/FAQS+Climate+Assembly.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out our FAQs</a> and if your question is still not answered get in touch with Bob at Envirolution at <a href="mailto:hello@envirolution.org.uk">hello@envirolution.org.uk</a>To find out more about Envirolution please do visit the project website:<a href="https://envirolution.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Envirolution Website</a><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1632134571/projects/y4twobrpbssf63h9jh9k.jpg" style="width: 359px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">This project is fully transparent and all the findings from the Assembly are available for everyone to see. To find out what has been going on in the workshops, please explore the links below and have a look at Envirolution&#39;s youtube channel to see recordings of some of the sessions too:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOaJOEga6FHRIQsa8XNDlmQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Envirolution Youtube Channel</a>

From Community Fridges to Community Grant Projects, find out about the projects happening across the city. 

Community Fridge

Exciting new projects

<h2>Taking climate action together is #InOurNature&nbsp;</h2>Click on the buttons below to take a look at some of the brilliant projects happening all across Manchester and find out how to get involved.<a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step2"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636451969/projects/gfr9ehevdnfg6efdacdo.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil" style="width: 250px;">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step3"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1651077973/projects/sp3ae6qc2oh5jvnyrmhr.png" style="width: 250px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step4"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636627749/projects/ocn4ait2jj1soomzijsg.png" style="width: 250px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step5"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636627757/projects/nsoqlnyvj9gdnk1cpjke.png" style="width: 250px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"></a><a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step3"></a><ul><li>Curious about Community Fridges? <a class="fr-strong" href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step2">Click here.</a></li><li>Want to dig into how we&#39;re creating greener, wilder homes? <a class="fr-strong" href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step4">Click here.</a></li><li>Ready to be inspired by amazing community projects? <a class="fr-strong" href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step4">Click here.</a></li><li>Want to some innovative projects helping to make Manchester a greener city? <a class="fr-strong" href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/exciting-new-projects/step5">Click here.</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>

Community Fridges

Community gardening: Newton Heath is growing together

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1651072068/projects/kmgrxtbphd3lukgjzeme.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17.2667px; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 17.2667px; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;">Would you like to make Manchester a greener place to live? It starts with your home and your community! Growing plants with other people not only creates better outdoor spaces for us to enjoy. We grow new connections in the community, we save money on fruit and veg, we protect local wildlife, and we create a neighbourhood to be proud of. <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 11pt; line-height: 17.2667px; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 17.2667px; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: none !important;">Over the past few months, eight beginner gardeners in Newton Heath teamed up with five gardening enthusiasts to help them get growing at home, regardless of their skills or space. &nbsp;With the help of social enterprise Sow The City, the beginners and enthusiasts have improved their skills, made new friends, and helped make Newton Heath a greener, wilder place to live. Head to our <a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/community-miles-platting-newton-heath/step1" id="isPasted"></a><a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/community-miles-platting-newton-heath/step1">Miles Platting and Newton Heath page</a> to learn more and find out about how you can get involved with Newton Heath&rsquo;s new community garden project.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1620231845/projects/t66bwwc6etsomjmcjskz.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 17.2667px; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif;">Curious to know more?&nbsp;<a class="fr-green" href="https://hubbub.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=67b4819223cbe3616e119e7c7&id=ef139af8b1"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; color: rgb(33, 0, 255); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 17.2667px; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif;">Sign up to our newsletter here</a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-GB" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 17.2667px; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif;">&nbsp;to receive top tips on how to start growing at home, inspiring stories, as well as upcoming events and volunteering opportunities in your area, directly in your inbox.<span data-ccp-props='{"201341983":0,"335559740":259}' style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 18px; line-height: 17.2667px; font-family: Arial, Arial_EmbeddedFont, Arial_MSFontService, sans-serif;">&nbsp;

Community Grant Projects

Drumroll please...&nbsp;We&rsquo;re thrilled to announce the three amazing projects that we&rsquo;ll be supporting through the #InOurNature Community Grant fund: a Walk in Wardrobe promoting sustainable fashion, Manchester&rsquo;s first Library of Things and a cook book helping people with learning disabilities and complex needs to take control over their food waste. &nbsp;&nbsp;We can&rsquo;t wait to help bring these projects to life and to see the impact that they have in their communities. Want to get involved or find out more?&nbsp;<a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sign up to stay in the loop.&nbsp;</a><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1631538775/projects/zawcoislylkkvxgyyhpc.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h2>&lsquo;Walk in Wardrobe&#39;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>The &lsquo;Walk-in-Wardrobe&#39; will be a pop-up experience for young people who want to find out more about their clothes &ndash; from what they&rsquo;re made from (and who by) to what happens after we get rid of them. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; There will also be opportunities to discover&nbsp;loads of practical ways they can&nbsp;take action&nbsp;locally to create a more sustainable future for fashion. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; The Walk In Wardrobe&rsquo;s first pop up will be in the Rusholme/Hulme/Moss Side area (exact location to be confirmed) in Spring 2022, and Stitched Up are looking for volunteers to help create it! Work will start October 2021 and anyone age 12+ can volunteer to help on the project. Get in touch with&nbsp;<a href="mailto:hello@stitchedup.coop">hello@stitchedup.coop</a>&nbsp;to get involved.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stitchedup.coop/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.stitchedup.coop</a>&nbsp;or follow @stitchedupuk on social media to hear more about their amazing projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1631538799/projects/bmojncakwmtecob51mfs.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h2>Manchester&rsquo;s first &lsquo;Library of Things&rsquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>The&nbsp;Manchester Library of Things&nbsp;will be a&nbsp;community shed bursting with things people&nbsp;need,&nbsp;but don&rsquo;t want to buy. Working like a normal book library,&nbsp;you&rsquo;ll be able&nbsp;take out&nbsp;a&nbsp;membership and borrow useful items at very low costs. Borrowing from the Library of Things&nbsp;will help people borrow&nbsp;more, save money and protect the planet.&nbsp;&nbsp;The&nbsp;Library&nbsp;will be situated at the Old Library in&nbsp;Levenshulme&nbsp;and&nbsp;will open its doors in&nbsp;spring / summer 2022.&nbsp;Have your say on what you want to borrow by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd5HLm3_Uvjm-4tymDqjauXCb1Mx6e4ziGd-a6cPDiCEfkAVg/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">filling out this short survey</a>.&nbsp;Find out more about the Library of Things on their website <a href="https://mcrlot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1631538811/projects/nkaw0gpykqosuw2qebk8.png" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><h2 lang="EN-US">&lsquo;Good for you, Good for the Planet&rsquo; Cookbook&nbsp;</h2>Future Directions CIC will work with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to develop an easy-read cookbook filled with healthy recipes and practical tips to help reduce food waste. They hope that this will inspire and empower people to gain confidence and learn new skills so they can eat well and waste less.&nbsp;&nbsp;The project is kicking off in October and the book will be launched in spring 2022. <a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/news" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sign up for updates here. &nbsp;</a>Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.futuredirectionscic.co.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">www.futuredirectionscic.co.uk/</a>&nbsp;to find out more about their work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Urban Greening Grant winners

<span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>More drumroll please... We&rsquo;re thrilled to announce&nbsp;another&nbsp;four&nbsp;amazing projects&nbsp;get off-the ground through&nbsp;#InOurNature&nbsp;funding&nbsp;and impact measurement support. Our ambition:&nbsp;break down some of the barriers preventing target communities, including school kids, the Kurdish community, Muslim&nbsp;women&nbsp;and&nbsp;young ex-offenders&nbsp;from engaging with environmental issues, using nature to inspire climate action. <span data-ccp-charstyle="eop" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|88","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"eop",469778129,"eop",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'> &nbsp;We can&rsquo;t wait to help bring these projects to life and to see the impact that they have in their communities. Want to get involved or find out more? Don&rsquo;t forget to sign up for updates to stay in the loop.  &nbsp;<h2><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>&lsquo;Play and Grow&rsquo; project by Mothers Against Violence&nbsp;</h2><h2><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636452761/projects/faf6zpchlkwvgnpzbsm9.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"></h2><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>Providing opportunities for young ex-offenders to discover alternative ways to make a positive contribution to their local community, building green skills and spending time in nature, while receiving mentoring support.   &nbsp;&nbsp;The Play &amp; Grow Project was developed in consultation with local services and local people, looking at the impact of&nbsp;the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;on local communities. As&nbsp;MAV UK&nbsp;begins&nbsp;to open services&nbsp;again, we will use our newly fitted outside terrace to expand outside areas&nbsp;of&nbsp;our community hall, and&nbsp;create a living moving garden space, where we have naturally grown vegetation. &nbsp;Young people will lead the project with the help of our volunteers. The funding secured&nbsp;for this project&nbsp;will allow our young people to visit local green spaces and outdoor areas, to learn, see and feel the values of a clean, safe outdoor spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;The aim is for&nbsp;young people to bring these experiences back to our local community, creating a green outdoor play and learn space which will support the learning of nursery aged children. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Find out more about Mothers Against Violence&rsquo;s work at&nbsp;<a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.mavuk.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.mavuk.org/</a><h2><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>Community Garden at St Chad&rsquo;s Primary School</h2><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>St. Chad&rsquo;s RC Primary School&nbsp;is located in&nbsp;inner city Manchester with limited outdoor space, in an area with&nbsp;only 3% occupied by trees.&nbsp;&nbsp;There is&nbsp;green space within the school grounds, but it is currently&nbsp;overgrown,&nbsp;so&nbsp;this project is about&nbsp;turning&nbsp;neglected land&nbsp;into&nbsp;outdoor learning opportunities,&nbsp;encouraging children and families to take part in activities to&nbsp;welcome&nbsp;wildlife back&nbsp;by&nbsp;revamping&nbsp;the ponds and natural habitats, plant trees&nbsp;and&nbsp;an organic garden maintained by a gardening class, as well as upcycle materials to encourage&nbsp;recycling and reusing. &nbsp;In addition, we have a piece of land next door to school that we wish to develop to encourage our families to grow fruit and vegetables by adding raised beds and a greenhouse. This will be accessed after school and during the holidays and would encourage community involvement in sustainable living. &nbsp;&nbsp;As this is a huge project that we are undertaking, we are aiming to start the gated garden project in autumn 2021 and the community garden in spring 2021 ready for the planting season. &nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a class="fr-strong" href="http://www.st-chads.manchester.sch.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">http://www.st-chads.manchester.sch.uk/</a>&nbsp;for more information about the school.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>&lsquo;Garden of Love&rsquo; project by the&nbsp;Flowhesion&nbsp;Foundation</h2><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636452818/projects/cnnlyudtsgdmdtzidho9.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-fil" style="width: 300px;"> <span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>Growing food is an impactful action for the climate, and a powerful way to celebrate the myriad cultures living in an area. &nbsp;The &lsquo;Garden of Love&rsquo; project will help local Pakistani women and residents to create a publicly accessible communal herb and fruit garden&nbsp;in the grounds of the British Muslim heritage&nbsp;centre. The women will create the garden in memory of lost ones during&nbsp;Covid-19 but also learn key gardening, planting skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;We will also deliver a range of&nbsp;free&nbsp;education sessions in Urdu and Punjabi where women will learn how to grow vegetables and fruits at home on a shoestring budget. &nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a class="fr-strong" href="https://flowhesionfoundation.org.uk/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://flowhesionfoundation.org.uk/</a>&nbsp;for more information about their work.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>&lsquo;Plot to Plate&rsquo; by Manchester Urban Diggers</h2><h2><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1636452718/projects/ecrmgraerglyzws5m1k9.jpg" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-fil"></h2><span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"aa06cf3e-73be-4546-bf9b-9c8109627cea|87","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[134233614,"true",201340122,"1",469775450,"normaltextrun",469778129,"normaltextrun",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>Taking part in greening activities can tackle social isolation and build a stronger sense of community.  The &lsquo;Plot to Plate&rsquo; project, in partnership with Manchester Urban Diggers, will bring the local Kurdish community together to produce culturally appropriate crops affordably and sustainably, while serving as a testing ground for a new approach to creating growing spaces which reflect the diversity of Manchester communities. &nbsp;In Spring 2022, we will be providing a space for the Kurdish community living around Platt Fields Park to get involved with their local community by growing and cooking their own food on Platt Fields Market Garden. We&#39;re&nbsp;really excited&nbsp;to exchange cultural knowledge around plant varieties, growing techniques and especially excited to taste some yummy Kurdish food!&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a class="fr-strong" href="https://www.wearemud.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://www.wearemud.org/</a>&nbsp;for more information about their work.&nbsp;

Read more about our approach to putting residents and communities in the lead.


Community Led - It's #InOurNature

Community-Led: It’s #InOurNature

<div class="mgn-top-4x news-copy"><div class="styled-element-wrapper__StyledElementWrapper-l1nou1-0 bgPgTt" contenteditable="false"><img width="100%" class="img-responsive fr-fic fr-dii" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:eco,w_1024/v1616758501/projects/zerocarbonmanchester2/fc47289e-0e41-4e04-b069-34cc94986311.png" srcset=" https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:eco,w_375/v1616758501/projects/zerocarbonmanchester2/fc47289e-0e41-4e04-b069-34cc94986311.png 375w, https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:eco,w_768/v1616758501/projects/zerocarbonmanchester2/fc47289e-0e41-4e04-b069-34cc94986311.png 768w, https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:eco,w_1024/v1616758501/projects/zerocarbonmanchester2/fc47289e-0e41-4e04-b069-34cc94986311.png 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:eco,w_1600/v1616758501/projects/zerocarbonmanchester2/fc47289e-0e41-4e04-b069-34cc94986311.png 1600w " sizes="(max-width: 375px) 375px, (max-width: 768px) 768px, (max-width: 1024px) 1024px, 1600px" alt="Illustration of Manchester skyline"></div>At the heart of this programme is a belief that it is only by working in partnership that we can really create a greener, healthier and more connected Manchester. We are ambitious and hopeful about this programme and it&rsquo;s approach to putting residents and communities in the lead.This is not a new idea - there is a long global history of communities leading change and varied levels of success in initiatives that seek to see local people driving their own community&rsquo;s development as co-creators rather than as beneficiaries. And there is nothing remarkable or innovative about community-led work to most community changemakers.What we think is unique about this programme is the range of partners we are bringing together, underpinned by an openness to learn about what works to support us all to mobilise our collective and diverse strengths, experiences and energies.We are bringing together residents, climate experts and neighbourhood teams, offering support to get new groups and ideas off the ground and lots of ways to engage with and shout about the activity that results. We hope that together we can ignite a community led network of climate active neighbourhoods.We are looking for residents who have experience in taking action in their communities, and those who have no experience at all but are interested in getting involved, to join us.&nbsp;<a href="https://amitycic.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amity CIC</a>&nbsp;have found that when people are supported to work well together and to understand their capacity for creativity, collaboration and wellbeing they realise their potential as changemakers - whether they have a professional role or are resident in a community. Amity&rsquo;s programmes are regularly over subscribed which tells us there is appetite from many people for support to be more active in their communities and to collaborate with others in improving their neighbourhoods. For In Our Nature Amity will be working alongside the rest of the team in the delivery of the programme. Specifically, Amity will be facilitating three elements intended to support residents and communities to take the lead:Inspired Community Action ProgrammeWe know that there is huge potential in our communities for taking action on the climate emergency and as we test our partnership approach we will be supporting groups in 6 communities to work together well in shaping, taking and inspiring the action that works for their neighbourhood. This will be through a group development programme called Inspired Community Action.Resident Board / CollectiveThis facilitated group will be made up of representatives from each of the 6 groups and will be a space to gain clarity on the whole programme. It is intended to keep partners accountable to the vision, desires and frustrations of residents. How the group functions, what it&rsquo;s called and how it keeps partners accountable will be decided by the group.NetworkEveryone from the 6 community groups will get together at various points throughout the programme to get to know each other and share experiences for support and inspiration. This network and it&rsquo;s ultimate purpose will be decided by those taking part.If you live in Moss Side, Hulme, Rusholme, Newton Heath and Miles Platting, Levenshulme or the Northern Quarter and would like to partner with us <a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/be-part-of-creating-change-in-your-community/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">please let us know here</a>.</div>

Have your say on projects happening near you and find out how to get involved.

Community: Miles Platting and Newton Heath

Live in Miles Platting and Newton Heath?

Want to join the people of Newton Heath who are growing together?

Because when we sow seeds, it&rsquo;s more than a plant that grows.&nbsp;&nbsp;<span data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"780891cf-e251-4788-9c35-cfed2ba3ceca|36","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"normaltextrun",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"normaltextrun",335572020,"1",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}'>Growing plants with other people not only&nbsp;creates&nbsp;better outdoor spaces for us to enjoy.&nbsp;We grow new connections&nbsp;in the community,&nbsp;we save money&nbsp;on fruit and veg,&nbsp;we protect local wildlife, and we create&nbsp;a&nbsp;neighbourhood&nbsp;to be proud of.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meet the Newton Heath locals who are growing together&nbsp;Over the past few months, eight beginner gardeners in Newton Heath teamed up with five gardening enthusiasts to help them get growing at home, regardless of their skills or space. &nbsp;With the help of social enterprise Sow The City, the beginners and enthusiasts have improved their skills, made new friends, and helped make Newton Heath a greener, wilder place to live.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&ldquo;We wanted somewhere to grow plants and attract wildlife. It&rsquo;s great having a team of people that give you the oomph to do it, and the know-how too. You feel like you&rsquo;ve really achieved something, you&rsquo;re not just sat in the house. It&rsquo;s your space and you&rsquo;re making it better.&rdquo;&nbsp;- James (beginner)&nbsp;

&quot;It was a privilege and a joy to share my love of gardening with others and to see them enthusiastically transform their own garden space. This project is an excellent and low-cost way to share skills and transform gardens into beautiful, wildlife-rich zones.&quot;&nbsp;- Pauline (enthusiast)&nbsp;

Grow with us 

<span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph" data-ccp-parastyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"780891cf-e251-4788-9c35-cfed2ba3ceca|37","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"paragraph",201340122,"2",134233614,"true",469778129,"paragraph",335572020,"1",469777841,"Times New Roman",469777842,"Times New Roman",469777843,"Times New Roman",469777844,"Times New Roman",469769226,"Times New Roman",335559705,"2057",335559740,"256",201341983,"0",134233118,"true",134233117,"true",469778324,"Normal"]}'>Whether you want to&nbsp;spruce up your space at home, or you&rsquo;d prefer to get growing in the&nbsp;neighbourhood,&nbsp;you never have to grow it alone.&nbsp;Join&nbsp;the community of growers in Newton Heath!&nbsp;&nbsp;Join the online community&nbsp;We&rsquo;ve created&nbsp;an online space for residents in Newton Heath to share&nbsp;growing tips, gardening progress updates, resources, and skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/inournaturenewtonheath/"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/inournaturenewtonheath/">Click here to access our Facebook group</a>&nbsp;and join the club!&nbsp;Get involved with&nbsp;the community garden&nbsp;&nbsp;We&rsquo;ve teamed up with Winning Hearts &amp; Minds and Sow the City to open&nbsp;Newton Heath&rsquo;s first community garden&nbsp;in the grounds of Newton Heath Cricket Club on Mabel Street.&nbsp;The garden is a place where&nbsp;everyone can learn and grow together, with&nbsp;a bunch of exciting events and activities coming up!&nbsp;Be sure to join&nbsp;the Facebook group to find out about&nbsp;all&nbsp;the latest opportunities to get involved.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1653318801/projects/zwfhv8afzj8hiwartres.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1653318827/projects/fcgz0dudpjziolueo1a5.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib">

<div id="isPasted"><h2>How to get involved&nbsp;</h2></div><div>Share the programme with your neighbours and have your say on what you want to see in your community.</div><div>Join in with our new, Creative Climate Resilience project &ndash; Let&rsquo;s talk about climate change through community-based performance and art! Find out more&nbsp;<a href="https://creative-climate-resilience.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.<h3>We&#39;ve invited residents in Miles Platting and Newton Heath to join their local community group that will be supported to plan and deliver projects together. Stay up to date with the community group&nbsp;<a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals/community-led-its-in-our-nature/step1">here.</a></h3> <h2>What would you like to see in your community?</h2>Share your ideas for actions to tackle the climate crisis in your area using the community map below - click &lsquo;have your say&rsquo;, drop the pin in the location you&rsquo;d like to add a suggestion to and share your idea.</div>

<div class="map"><iframe width="100%" frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://mccamilesplattingnewtonheath.commonplace.is/projectMap"></iframe> <div style="display: flex;"><a href="https://mccamilesplattingnewtonheath.commonplace.is/comments" style="font-family: ;" target="_blank">View larger map</a> <a href="https://www.commonplace.is" style="margin-left: auto;" target="_blank"><img width="150px" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1594390595/Commonplace/commonplace-logo-horizontal-rgb.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></a></div></div>

<h2>Don&rsquo;t live in Miles Platting &amp; Newton Heath?</h2>There are still plenty of ways you can get involved in the programme. Click here to find out more&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MCCMPandNH?s=09" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/MCCMPandNH?s=09</a>.

Community: Hulme

Live in Hulme?

<div class='map'> <iframe width='100%' frameborder='0' height='500' marginheight='0' marginwidth='0' src='https://mccahulme.commonplace.is/projectMap'></iframe> <div style='display: flex'> <a target='_blank' href='https://mccahulme.commonplace.is/comments' style='font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.42857; color: #777; text-decoration: none; margin-left: 10px;'>View larger map</a> <a target='_blank' href='https://www.commonplace.is' style='margin-left: auto'><img width='150px' src='https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1594390595/Commonplace/commonplace-logo-horizontal-rgb.png' /></a> </div> </div>

<h2>Don&rsquo;t live in Hulme?</h2>There are still plenty of ways you can get involved in the programme. <a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals">Click here to find out more</a>.

Community: Rusholme

Live in Rusholme?

<div class="map"><iframe width="100%" frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://mccarusholme.commonplace.is/projectMap"></iframe> <div style="display: flex;"><a href="https://mccarusholme.commonplace.is/comments" style="font-family: ;" target="_blank">View larger map</a> <a href="https://www.commonplace.is" style="margin-left: auto;" target="_blank"><img width="150px" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1594390595/Commonplace/commonplace-logo-horizontal-rgb.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii"></a></div></div>

<h2>Don&rsquo;t live in Rusholme?</h2>There are still plenty of ways you can get involved in the programme. <a href="https://zerocarbonmanchester.commonplace.is/proposals">Click here to find out more</a>.