The charity Trees for Cities, in partnership with EastendHomes and local residents, has been transforming the green spaces around Manchester Estate to create an oasis for birds, insects and mammals. This has led to the opening of the first Manchester Estate urban nature trail, developed through working closely with the young people on the estate and with children from local schools.
Over the last three years, four community gardens have been developed around the estate, a natural play area, tree planting and new wildlife habitats, including a wildflower meadow and woodland copse. A hedgehog home has been installed with assistance from Tower Hamlets Council, as part of the implementation of the local Biodiversity Action Plan. Trees for Cities has also run green skills workshops for residents to ensure they can continue to get involved in the planting on their estate.
The Manchester Estate Urban Nature Trail will help residents discover the wildlife on their doorstep and provide tips on how to keep it there. The trail covers wildlife on the estate such as butterflies, bees, beetles, hedgehogs, toads and birds as well as the habitats they live in and plants they feed on across the estate. There is also a leaflet which accompanies the trail with lots of interesting information.
To find out more about Trees for Cities projects in Tower Hamlets and opportunities for environmental volunteering, download this pdf or visit their website.
Photo by Trees for Cities
