Visit the new Our Green Chorlton website here

During Covid-19 many people locally found a sanctuary in nature. Constrictions in movement created an enhanced interest in and appreciation of nature locally. Whether this was through exploring wildlife areas such as Chorlton Meadows, taking up growing vegetables in our own gardens or reading about useful weeds chalked out on pavements, a connection with nature helped ease some of the stresses of the crisis. Come autumn however, many expressed their anxieties that social restrictions and lockdowns would be more difficult to cope with because they wouldn’t go outdoors.
 
At a meeting of Let’s Reimagine Chorlton in early November, a ‘green spaces and the environment’ break-out group (on Zoom, of course!) discussed how we could support people in Chorlton to continue to enjoy our green spaces throughout the year to benefit physical and mental health. We felt ideas that arose would be perfectly shared in a publication that included a map of green spaces.

Project aims

The publication’s aim is to motivate and inspire Chorlton residents to get outside to enjoy and explore the outdoors, whether in public spaces or our own gardens. Why? To help us look after our physical health and mental wellbeing through engaging with nature, and celebrate and care for nature locally, whether wildlife areas or managed green spaces.
 
We plan to do this this through a publication that includes maps, but is more than just an annotated map, providing ideas for how to enjoy the outdoors, engage with nature and value what we have locally. The leaflet will:

• map public green spaces including parks, wildlife areas, cemeteries etc
• offer information about facilities, activities and areas of interest in the green spaces
• explain the positive impact on physical and mental well-being of spending time in nature
• share ideas for enjoying nature in one's garden or public spaces
• show how to enjoy and care for wildlife
• share inspiring and fun activities to try outdoors
• describe the need and benefits of caring for our environment

We are aiming for wide distribution, to all households in Chorlton, as well as an online version. 

The team is entirely voluntary, and includes:
Danielle Lowy, Linsey Parkinson, Anna Violet and Claire Stocks