results from the community Moston Fairway: consultation and recommendations to enhance the value of Moston Fairway A Perception Survey Nature Reserve as a haven for wildlife and local people. During Autumn 2014 Lancashire Wildlife COMMUNITY CONTEXT Trust, supported by City Council, commenced steps to formally purchase an extension to the existing Moston Fairway Nature Reserve (see map 1) which was completed in October 2015. For a number of years this area of adjacent land had been subject to uncertain ownership which has contributed to limited management work delivered or planned due to concerns over its future.

Extension

Following purchase of the additional land by Lancashire Wildlife Trust it will be necessary for a new management Existing plan to be developed for the entirety of Reserve Moston Fairway Nature Reserve so that the biodiversity value of the site can be protected and enhanced. Lancashire Wildlife Trust are also keen to enhance Figure 1: Map of Moston Fairway and the role of Moston Fairway as a surrounding area. community resource and so have undertaken a consultation exercise with members of the local community to INTRODUCTION understand how people use the site, explore key issues and identify how Moston Fairway is a unique natural site local people feel the site should be used of great ecological value that can be in the future. found hidden amidst the highly populated and quickly developing city of This perception survey provides an Manchester. This small area of introduction to the community which untouched semi-natural landscape is Moston Fairway serves, the existing comprised of a base-rich marshland biodiversity value of Moston Fairway, which formed around 100 years ago in the heart of the Moston district.1 average for both men and women with a Moston, with a population of around contrast of 77 and 81 against 79 and 14,700 people2 is classed as a ‘Lower 83.6,7 Layer Super Output Area’ (LSOA). This section will look at the local community The results of the Manchester Mental and outline the diversity and Wellbeing Survey found that adults in importance of this site. Manchester were significantly more likely to have low mental wellbeing THE COMMUNITY OF MOSTON compared with the North West 8 average. Residents in the ward of Moston is located on the northern limit Moston are less likely to say that they of Manchester and is bordered by are happy and fewer are satisfied with Blackley, Harpurhey, and their lives than residents in Manchester .3 Indices of Multiple as a whole. In the most deprived areas Deprivation (IMD) 2010 indicates that of North Manchester it was found that North Manchester has levels of levels of alcohol consumption were deprivation substantially above the city more likely to be over the lower risk average.4 Within walking distance of limits and rates of alcohol related Moston Fairway are neighbourhoods deaths were approximately 45% higher that are placed within the 100 most when compared to the least deprived deprived areas in . areas. A survey across Manchester Consequently, parts of Moston found that levels of smoking are above experience many of the problems the national average and that smokers associated with deprivation such as were also more likely to have a poor higher than average levels of diet and do little to no exercise per 9 unemployment, ill health and crime as week. With physical activity now a well as lower than average levels of known factor in achieving physical as formal qualifications. In addition to this, well as mental wellbeing, this inactivity the prevalence of lower income levels is a cause for concern. It was estimated in many areas of Moston means that the that this lack of activity costs the NHS 10 local community rely more heavily on around £10 million per year. local recreation facilities and green spaces such as Moston Fairway. It was found that the incidence of crime was high in the Moston area with 1262 crimes reported in the month of September (2014) alone (Police.uk). The area has a particular problem with antisocial behavior as 43.9% of these reports were concerning antisocial behavior specifically.

1. The Wildlife Trusts website, Moston Fairway 2. Moston Ward Profile – (2010) 3. Papillon Graphics Virtual Encyclopedia & Guide to currently ranks as the Manchester fourth most deprived local authority 4. Manchester City Council – Health & Wellbeing - North 5 Manchester: Adults area in England. High levels of 5. F1 - Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2010 - Analysis for deprivation are reflected in indicators Manchester – May 2011 6. Office for National Statistics: Mortality in England and of poor health for parts of Moston Wales: Average Life Span, 2010 community. The average life 7. Office for National Statistics: National Life Tables, United Kingdom, 2010-2012 expectancy for these deprived areas of 8 - Manchester City Council – Health & Wellbeing - Mental Moston is much lower than the national Health & Wellbeing 9 - Manchester Points4Life Population Survey, March 2010 10 - Manchester Active Lifestyles Service Annual Report 2011- 2012 The quality of our local areas can Moston Brook environment and impact greatly on the local community. coordinate activities onsite to In addition to Moston Fairway, the encourage local communities to use the community of Moston has access to corridor. another key green space – Moston This initially small idea has evolved into Brook, which has seen significant a multi-million pound improvement improvements linked to focused work scheme. The changes that have been by Manchester City Council and Oldham made to the recreational facilities on Council over the past eight years. this site, such as the paths and Although Moston Fairway isn’t directly entrances, mean that Moston Brook can connected to Moston Brook it has now be used for positive outdoor existing links which if improved and activities to improve the health and promoted can offer much more valuable wellbeing of some of the poorest amenity and biodiversity resource for communities of the country. Moston and Manchester. Some of the work organised and supported by the Moston Brook project MOSTON BROOK to date include:

The Moston Brook Green Corridor  Moston Brook Friends Group includes approximately 70 hectares of  Moston Brook Partnership Group land and stretches from the Rochdale chaired by local councillors Canal at Failsworth to Dean Lane Train  Local business volunteer sessions Station in Manchester. The area is made  Conservation skills sessions with up of four distinct sites and includes a the Greater Manchester Youth wide range of natural habitats. Network

 Biodiversity surveys and MOSTON BROOK CORRIDOR engagement activities, in PARTNERSHIP particular fungi walks  Activity days with Manchester As a result of long term neglect the site City in the Community experienced a rise in antisocial  Regular site clean-ups behaviour and pollution. Water quality  Development of a Forest School of the brook was also identified as one site for Broadway Primary School of the most polluted waterways in  Woodland management with TCV Greater Manchester and NW England. To  Development work linking with tackle these issues the joint Moston key stakeholders and other Brook Corridor Partnership was set up agencies in North Manchester to by Oldham Council and Manchester increase engagement of local Council. people at Moston Brook

In 2007 a feasibility study was This work aims to attract and actively undertaken in order to assess the engage people from the local potential of the site to become a high communities into Moston Brook and it is quality green space. This study was hoped that similar activities will be published in 2008 and included an implemented in Moston Fairway with action plan and a long-term aspirational continued partnership work between plan. In 2010 Ann Bates was appointed Moston Brook and the Lancashire as the Moston Brook Project Officer Wildlife Trust. Already, a Guided Fungi with a role to improve the quality of the Walk and a Food for Free Walk are scheduled for Moston Fairway in 2015 and there is interest from the Friends of Moston Brook in working directly with Moston Fairway.

However, Moston Fairway currently requires specific management and investment to achieve the goals highlighted through the Community Consultation.

Figure 2: A Boundary Map for the Moston Brook project and the Fairway.

THE BIODIVERSITY VALUE component of the soil but the presence of sphagnum on the fen suggests that OF MOSTON FAIRWAY perhaps the soil is becoming peaty above the clay in order to support these Moston Fairway is designated as a Grade bryophytes. A Site of Biological Importance (GMEU 1981). The original extent of the Sphagnum Mosses reserve (see map 1) has been owned by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust since 1989 and has since been managed as a Trust reserve to enhance its conservation interest. This original area includes two thirds of the marsh habitat. . The rest of the important marsh habitat, the relic heath and the acid grassland areas were all located in the newly acquired area of reserve and have received The fen area grades into wet woodland / limited conservation management. A willow scrub. The embankments are lack of holistic management of the generally covered by wood and scrub, entire site has impacted upon the site (Crack Willow and Ash) and a mixture of realising its full potential. tall herb / scrub can be found at the northern point of the reserve. There are several species of plant present that are characteristic of calcareous conditions such as Common Restharrow, Pale Toadflax and occasional Kidney Vetch the latter of which is considered very rare in Greater Manchester. Surveys for these species have not been undertaken for a number of years and eutrophication may now have Common eliminated them. Adder’s Tongue Fern Cuckoo Flower Spotted Orchid is also an uncommon species within Greater Manchester. It has previously The marsh dominates the reserve. It is been recorded in the reserve but has considered the most important habitat not been noted within the last 12 years. as it supports a diverse range of There are also three non-native species characteristic plants. These include 5 in the SBI. A small stand of Japanese species of sedge, 3 species of rushes, Knotweed, a single young the Cuckoo Flower, Common Spotted Rhododendron and abundant swaths of Orchid, Southern Marsh Orchid, Marsh Lupin. Thistle and Reedmace. Common Cotton- grass is frequent within the southern In the newly acquired section of the section of the fen. reserve, the acidic grassland habitat contains extensive Silver Birch scrub Sphagnum mosses are beginning to form and occasional Heather. Lowland heath extensive mats across the marsh. is a UK Priority Habitat and following Historic records of Sphagnum acquisition of this area of the reserve papillosum, a species which is normally one priority will be to review associated with a good quality bog management options to increase the habitat, are particularly noteworthy. extent of this habitat. There is also a Within the reserve clay is a common small area of Crowberry, which is unusual in a lowland location such as Pipistrelle bats on the site, particularly this. Soprano pipistrelle.

The most notable records of birds on Further surveys for a wide range of this site are the wintering Snipe (amber species is required across the old and Listed as a Bird of Conservation newly acquired Moston Fairway Nature Concern) and the possible breeding of Reserve. Reed Bunting (UK Priority BAP Species). Foxes breed in the area and the populations of Common Frog and THE COMMUNITY Smooth Newt are an important feature of the reserve. The total of sixteen CONSULTATION species of butterflies recorded so far is good for an urban location. Particularly This consultation process began in the Small Heath that is not usually March 2014 with surveys completed by found in such an urban area and the members of the community through a breeding record of the Small Skipper. questionnaire created by the Lancashire

Wildlife Trust and supported by the Three species of dragonfly have been recorded including the Broad-bodied Moston Brook Project Officer. This Chaser and the Common Blue Damselfly. questionnaire could be accessed online, The Common Field Grasshopper is at events concerning the site, through abundant and a species of solitary face to face meetings and also posted digger wasp breeds on site in a small through doors. 57 responses have been sandpit. The pond contains a Water collected to date and an analysis of Beetle, Pond Skater and a Pond Snail. these will be discussed in the following The fen is present in a basin with section. drainage at the South end and blocked sites in both the North and South-West WHAT DO PEOPLE LIKE AND VALUE areas. A drain system was installed in ABOUT MOSTON FAIRWAY? 1997 to control flooding. High flow rates can cause temporary floods and Overall the consultation demonstrates therefore damage to both areas. that Moston Fairway offers the local Lancashire Wildlife Trust has previously community a unique and valuable green struggled to manage drainage at the site space that is in short supply in Moston linked to uncertain ownership at the and . site which has impacted upon the quality of the fen habitat. “Unique natural area in an urban jungle…” The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit “Vital in sustaining local wildlife was commissioned in September 2007 to undertake an extended Phase 1 that is rapidly disappearing…” habitat survey of the Moston Brook Corridor and Moston Fairway in Manchester and Oldham. The site was considered to have high potential to support bats as the habitats it contains could provide good foraging potential and roosting sites in some of the older trees. There are unconfirmed reports of

“This precious area needs to be We found that people really appreciate preserved…” the nature value and beauty of this site “It’s good that there is an area (79%) but also its importance in being a part of the local community (61%). like this in the city…” People use the site for a wide variety of “A wasted precious green space purposes including social walks with with lots of potential…” friends and fellow dog walkers, gathering wild food and photography. Most of the people who took part in the survey were already aware of Moston Fairway. Around 63% visit the site more or as regularly as once a month with almost a quarter visiting the site daily (24%). This highlights the need to invest in this site to encourage others to use it effectively too.

Figure 4: What do you like and value about Moston Fairway?

WHAT DO PEOPLE DISLIKE ABOUT MOSTON FAIRWAY?

Those that do not visit Moston Fairway were predominantly unsure how to use the site (44%) but others did not know the site existed (33%) or had concerns about personal safety there (22%). Those that visit Moston Fairway do so to relax and for fresh air (71%) but many “The lack of use makes the area also use the site to engage with nature (49%). Other popular uses of the site feel unsafe.” are for dog walking (34%) and “…I have to take my own tools to recreation activities with the whole clip sharp hedges just to walk family (17%). paths.” “Our entrance pathway seems overgrown and neglected.”

“Concerns about safety…” “Very overgrown so we don’t go.”

Figure 3: If yes, why do you visit Moston

Fairway?

The biggest concern for how the site is THE FUTURE OF MOSTON FAIRWAY currently used is about fly tipping (69%) but anti-social behaviour (50%) and a In terms of future management and use lack of use also makes the area feel of the site, residents have clear views, unsafe (42%). In order for more people ideas and aims that have been to visit the site on a regular basis it is highlighted by this survey. felt that more must be to be done to improve what is seen as a lack of It is important to those we surveyed maintenance on site (61%). It is thought that this area remains a place where that better maintenance would make people can come to engage with nature the site feel safer and encourage more (77%). One participant requested visitors. specifically for site management that would not “spoil (the) natural effect” of Accessibility because of overgrown the area. paths, trees and especially brambles have been pinpointed as problems for Education is also considered an area of visitors to the site, (34%). importance with 69% of those surveyed agreeing that the site should be used as Litter and dog fouling (37%) also present an outdoor learning resource for local issues for the use of the pathways of schools. It was also a popular option for Moston Fairway and it is suggested that the site to be a place where families more bins could perhaps help with this. could go to for guided and self guided Warning signs against littering or activities (62%). activities such as camping and fires could be provided in an attempt to control issues faced by locals.

A lack of activities or focus for the site

(34%) along with a lack of signage and interpretation about the site are areas that could be developed and improved.

Figure 6: Graph of Q8 from perception

survey.

How would you like to see Moston

Fairway being used by local people in the

future?

Comments were made on the prospect

of improvements to facilities and more

Figure 5: Graph of Q5 from perception events and activities in order to

survey. increase the use of the site. This point

Do you have any concerns about how the was summarised well by an individual

site is currently used? who felt that, “if some investment is

put into (the) site then it could be

greatly improved and therefore will be

used more.”

Many would like to see Moston Fairway maintenance and antisocial behaviour used as a space to bring members of the issues. community together (60%) with several  This would then have the potential to suggestions made involving the develop with time into a ‘friends of’ community in the site management group that would be self-run and a long itself through groups such as voluntary term solution to community wardens or tidy-up groups. There is also involvement in the management and the potential for this site to become a maintenance of the site. place where local people can get involved in practical work to gain skills, Long Term Investment confidence and socialise with other  Investment into this site will encourage local people. Of those we surveyed, 48% others to use the site effectively which would like to see the site used in such a will, in turn, help to improve safety for way. users.  The Lancashire Wildlife Trust will commit to visiting once a month to assess the site as well as providing RECOMMENDATIONS support and materials to local groups involved in the management of the SITE MANAGEMENT site.

Habitat Management Plan SHORT TERM ACCESSIBILITY -  A revised management plan for the site GROUND MAINTENANCE as a whole must be developed and implemented with urgency. Immediate Clean-up  Management should be undertaken  This is necessary immediately across immediately on the hydrology of the the entire site. fen area.  Litter picks should be done at regular  Site management must be executed intervals initially and also undertaken with care so as to balance the wild before any community event. character of the site alongside the safety of visitors. Improve Entrances  Assessments of each individual Safety on Site entrance to the site must be done to  Action should be taken to address determine the necessary alterations antisocial issues in particular by looking that are required to improve access to at the approaches of other local Moston Fairway. countryside sites.  Overgrowth must be controlled around  Links with community police and the those entrances where brambles in presence of officers on site will aid particular are causing a problem for with the monitoring of antisocial visitors. behaviour and increase safety on site.  It was commented that the openings from Muirfield Close need particular Increased Warden Presence attention in order to improve access to  Appointing a volunteer reserve manager the site. would help with the monitoring and  In the long term, overgrowth in cases upkeep of the site long term. such as this must be monitored and  Their role would predominantly involve controlled. Volunteer groups could be a regularly checking on the site for both long term maintenance solution.

Improve Footpaths  Management must, however, be  In the short term the main footpaths restricted to certain footpaths and need maintenance in order to improve others left as an informal path network site accessibility. in order to retain the wild character of  Overgrowth must again be cut back and the site as much as possible. managed to maintain sufficient visitor use of the footpaths. Improved Signposting  It was noted that pathways from the Internally Links Car Park are especially requiring  Warning signs should be put up on site maintenance. which make it clear the activities that are prohibited. Paths and Flooding  These should be installed with the aim  Persistently flooded footpaths at the of tackling antisocial issues in southern end of the site can be particular: controlled through the use of altered o Owners failing to pick up dog mess water control features such as right- o Dropping litter angled pipes. These are pipes with a o Fly-tipping (which has been reported knuckle bend attached to them that in particular at the Links Car Park can be turned up or down to collect entrance) rainfall or let water out. o Vandalism  The installation of path and bund o Motorbikes/quad bikes on site structures with intersecting pipes will reduce the risk of path flooding. Externally  These paths will also require annual  Much of the external signposting for maintenance and regular bund/water Moston Fairway is hidden from the road level monitoring. and is therefore not attracting visitors unless they are already aware of its Major Footpath Programme existence.  In the future a circular path route could  Improved signposting and available be developed on site. information will increase footfall due to  This would allow Moston Fairway to an increased understanding and become more accessible for visitors appreciation of the site. from all entrances to the site - in  Need to link with Moston Brook and use particular the northern end where it consistent branding to ensure more was commented that a sufficient people become engaged and visit the walking route is not currently site. available.

Improved parking Long Term Maintenance  Access from car parks will need to be  These new and existing paths will need improved. annual assessments and maintenance  Car parks will then be kept clean by once installed. partners  Physical maintenance will include:  In the long term it would be valuable o Cutting back of vegetation to identify who owns the land the car o Strimming of path edges parks are on. o It may also be necessary to dig plant roots out from the path itself. Community Communication o The gravel layer will also need to be  In order to improve long term refilled as required. accessibility to this site the management plan must include regular communication with the community  In particular, a sheet listing flora and through the use of surveys and fauna to look out for on site was questionnaires in order to ensure requested and could result in a more sufficient improvements are being interactive trail for both families and made to increase site use and user individuals. satisfaction.  Any publicity and interpretation will be  The community will also be provided linked with efforts on Moston Brook and with the option to report directly to the ensure consistent approach and shared Trust with any specific complaints, efforts. This will help to engage more problems or suggestions they may have people and improve collaboration with regarding the site. existing stakeholders.  With increased communication from the Trust this can provide the necessary Onsite Activities tools and support needed to establish  Moston Fairway has the potential to be volunteer groups to continue the a great area for family activities. management and maintenance of  An increase in planned activities would Moston Fairway. make the site a more interactive place to visit. LONG TERM ACCESSIBILITY –  In line with keeping parts of the site as COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT wild as possible it would be beneficial for it to be kept largely as an open outdoor space for families to safely Habitat Management observe nature in its natural form.  The habitat management plan should  The introduction of hides and cycle include maintenance of the site as a ways could also provide alternative whole and should work towards activities to attract visitors. involving the community in this.  Management of the site can then  The management plan should work to progress towards organising and hosting include the development of a volunteer larger public events. maintenance team and physical activity

projects. Events  This community involvement will in  Providing the community with regular turn encourage others to use the area events and activities will present the and make it feel a more utilised and site as an inclusive and positive space safe place to be. for the community which will work to reduce the frequency of antisocial Improved Publicity and Interpretation behaviour and vandalism which has  Site interpretation and promotion are previously caused many problems on key to increasing site use initially. site.  By increasing communication with the  Periodic guided walks and/or talks are local residents and targeting good tools for informing the community community groups with information about the wildlife in their local area. regarding Moston Fairway and the ways  It was also requested that these events it can be used and improved this will be hosted on a range of days in order to encourage it to be used more. allow the majority of people to get  Sheets/Information packs could be involved. provided to local groups or visitors to  Advertising these events and activities interest them in the site and its effectively is also then the key element activities. for their success.  Improving relationships with local and identify the biodiversity objectives groups and centres and developing of the management plan. efficient methods of communication can be vital for this. Wetland Habitat  Linking events with the community  On the site there is a significant program on Moston Brook and/or amount of vegetation characteristic of running events across both sites will more acidic mossland habitats. This help to attract more visitors and suggests that the vegetation of the increase the value of nature access for marsh is changing. It is possible that the community. peat is beinning to be laid down, moving the habitat from basic/neutral Education marsh to a more acidic type of  In the long term the site could be vegetation. It takes thousands of years utilised as an outdoor educational to form mossland habitat, but this may resource for local schools. be the start of such a process. . It is  Moston Fairway is close to a number of important when considering how to schools and it offers an educational manage this vegetation that the experience that is very different to wetness of the site is maintained. school ground environments.  The area will need to have water  It is suggested that work is done to control features established to regulate ‘package up’ activities on the site the water levels of the site. that meet the requirements of the  General scrub clearance will also help national curriculums around education with the fen water control. and social development milestones and  Areas of the marsh can be opened up to then advertising these to schools in the allow patches of open water to form surrounding area. which will provide even more varied  Sessions could be developed for the habitats to encourage new species on wider Moston Brook incorporating site. Many amphibians in particular Moston Fairway to improve the offer to require open water which is lacking in schools and increase engagement across the marsh area currently. the wider area. Woodland Habitat  At the northern end of the site there is ECOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT a woodland habitat which follows the

path of the railway lines. Habitat Management  Ideally, the structural and species  Physical work must be undertaken to enhance wildlife and ecological value diversity here would be maintained and across the site enhanced through under-planting, coppicing and by opening some of the  The high pressure gas pipeline running glades. through part of the site will need to be noted when work is undertaken nearby and necessary health and safety Invasive Species precautions must be followed.  Grey willow invasion on to the marsh habitat tends to dry the marsh out and

reduce its value for wetland species. Surveying The proscribed limits of willow in the  Phase 1 and NVC surveys should be marsh needs to be set and open marsh undertaken as soon as possible. maintained as a priority habitat.  The surveys should then be used as a  At the northern end of the site heather tool to support habitat management is being shaded out by silver birch which needs to be knocked back and controlled. NEXT STEPS  Some of the soil will then need to be scarified and heather seeds spread to In the next 3 to 6 months: encourage the growth of the heather.  An immediate clean up of the site  A revised management plan for the site as a whole developed. LONG TERM ECOLOGICAL  Current footpaths and general ENHANCEMENT accessibility improved  An increased warden presence Habitat Management implemented on site.  Holistic management of Moston Fairway  Begin process of making links with will allow the site to realise its full local organisations and workers potential. who could encourage visitors onto  In the long term the site should be the site. managed with planting targeted specifically to encourage wildlife. In the next 6 to 9 months:  The habitat management should work  A programme of activities devised to link with the management of the to encourage new users to the site. wider Moston Brook  Publicity of the site improved with

the creation of leaflets and other Invasive Species resources that workers may then  Each of the clearance tasks proposed use in their work with local people. earlier will need to be monitored and  Work undertaken to enhance the controlled through the long term wildlife value of the site. management plan and perhaps Work undertaken to improve the community involvement.  quality of the key footpaths and entrance points onto Moston Community Involvement Fairway.  Activities and facilities can be put in place to develop the local appreciation of the wildlife.  Nest boxes and bat boxes can be installed on site.  An audit could be undertaken to keep up to date with the flora and fauna of the site to aid with long and short-term habitat management.

 Community involvement in these activities and other on site processes will help to allow residents to understand and take charge of the site for themselves which will, in turn, ensure the sustainability of this project.  Will link with the community engagement that is planned for Moston Brook.