Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Leicester are leading a project to improve their understanding of domestic gardens in Manchester and the benefits they provide to people and nature.
Live in Manchester? Tell Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Leicester about your back yard, find out more about how to improve the environment in Manchester and enter a prize draw to win £500 of shopping vouchers.
This citizen science project aims to improve understanding of domestic gardens in Manchester and the benefits they provide to people and nature.
Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Leicester are particularly interested in finding out how much green space exists in gardens across Manchester, including trees, shrubs and grass. Green spaces provide many benefits, called 'ecosystem services'. They help to cool the city, improve air and water quality, absorb rainfall, support wildlife and provide a setting for recreational activities.
The information that you provide will be combined with analysis from satellite images and scientific models to measure and map the different benefits provided by gardens across Manchester. This information will be used to develop recommendations that will aid planning and investment decisions in local neighbourhoods – aiming to maximise the benefits for everyone.
This project is being conducted by the University of Leicester and Manchester Metropolitan University in collaboration with The Mersey Forest, Manchester City Council, City of Trees, Southway Housing Trust and Lancashire Wildlife Trust. It is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council.
For further information and to complete the survey, visit: http://mybackyard.org.uk/, or email: [email protected]
