We have some of the most stunning nature in and around our region, and although the North West is mainly known for its industrial and mining history, there’s no reason why these places can’t be rewilded and used environmentally. Now, a new National Nature Reserve is coming to the west side of Greater Manchester, comprising of peatland spanning the Risley, Holcroft and Chat Moss areas.
The new Risley, Holcroft and Chat Moss National Nature Reserve will provide a destination for the people of Warrington and Greater Manchester to access nature-rich landscapes. The newest addition under the King’s Series, this network of 11 sites from lowland raised bogs and fen, through to lowland heath, wet woodland and drier woodland habitats will be restored to provide homes for rare species, such as lapwings, curlew, sundew and even adders.
After being at the centre of the industrial revolution, this area is becoming a leading example of nature recovery, through the restoration of some of our most important and precious habitats.
The peatlands in this area were created over a period of 10,000 years, since the last Ice Age, and are now heavily degraded. Peatlands are a hugely important part of England’s natural environment, acting as the country’s lungs, storing more carbon than any other type of landscape, as well as holding huge amounts of water and preventing flooding around them. However, more than 80% of England’s peatlands are damaged, dried out or degraded with the majority of England’s lowland peat being intensively farmed.
These internationally important lowland peat habitats, which are over an area the size of 750 professional rugby pitches or 25 Trafford Centres, are now being restored. This will help mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the security and prosperity of communities in Warrington and Greater Manchester.
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “This part of England led the world in industrial innovation and today it shows leadership in Nature recovery. Nature is vital for our health, wealth and security and this new reserve reveals the huge potential for meeting modern challenges through natural solutions. Spending time outdoors in natural settings is great for mental and physical wellbeing, the services provided by nature help prevent flooding, catch carbon and benefits the local economy.
“Supporting nature around urban areas creates better places to live and work, and this new reserve will allow the millions of people who live near it to experience nature at its best.”
The deep lowland peat within this National Nature Reserve was degraded through drainage and peat cutting, damage which accelerated during the industrial revolution. The renowned engineer and ‘Father of Railways’ George Stephenson built a ‘floating’ railway line in 1830 through Chat Moss, between Liverpool and Manchester, the first intercity railway line in the world.
This made the region a trailblazer in nineteenth century industrial innovation, with the world-famous Stephenson’s Rocket travelling on the line, but also saw much of the peatland being opened to drainage. Now, the North West is following up its role as a leader in industry by taking the lead on nature recovery in this iconic landscape.
The new reserve, within the Great Manchester Wetlands, sits between the National Nature Reserves of Rostherne Mere to the south, the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh to the north, and links to the Bollin to Mersey Nature Recovery Project, creating a recovering network of wetland and woodland across the region.
The new Risley, Holcroft and Chat Moss National Nature Reserve is the 10th reserve to be launched as part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves, which will leave a lasting public legacy for people and nature with 25 new National Nature Reserves by 2027.