Making Marple Better Together
A Greener Marple
For a couple of years now we have been wanting to develop a project that would see more trees planted across Marple. It soon became obvious that for this to work we would need the support of other groups in the area, and the approval of SMBC, who control many potential planting sites. As conversations developed both locally, and with groups like Cheshire Wildlife Trust, it became clear that our plans should expand to look at all aspects of green-space improvement and nature recovery.
Following a small and informal meeting of interested parties, we are now contacting a wider range of groups and organisations, with a view to holding a “Big Green Conversation” event in the near future. We also want to hear from individuals who are keen to see “A Greener Marple”, so if you or any of your friends are interested, please contact us.
As part of this wider concern to see a greener Marple we had the idea early in 2023 of creating a woodland area in the centre of Marple that would be easily accessible for people with mobility issues. We talked to the Friends of the Memorial Park about expanding their existing Woodland Walkway with additional tree and hedgerow planting, so that it took on the character of a small wood. They agreed in principle with this but discussions with SMBC stalled, whilst they looked at the impact that the new Community Leisure Hub would have on the overall layout of the Park.
When, however, the latest plans for the Hub where unveiled to Stakeholders recently, we were delighted to hear that the Community Woodland scheme would be supported as part of the projects commitment to improve the biodiversity of the Park. This is great news and it now looks as if the woodland could become a model for closer cooperation between local groups and SMBC.
Breaking News...
All Greater Manchester Authorities are now required to work with Landowners, Businesses and Communities, to develop draft Nature Recovery Strategies so that a Greater Manchester wide plan can go to public consultation in Summer 2024.
It looks as if SMBC`s Plan will be coordinated by their Climate Action Now team, who we have good relations with, so it will be useful to stay in touch with them as we develop our “A Greener Marple” Plan.
Greg Pike, Committee Member, February 2024
