Image by Canal and River Trust
The Rochdale Canal
About the project
PROJECT TITLE: The Rochdale Canal
LOCATION: Rochdale
FUNDING: Awarded £117,220 from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund
PARTNERS: Canal and River Trust
The idea
This project will work to manage this complex habitat for local wildlife and rejuvenate the canal’s water quality which has seen degradation in recent years.
The Rochdale Canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), hosting rare plants and a combination of habitats for wildlife. Since this designation in the year 2000, the water and natural habitats of the area have reduced in quality and are now seen as being in an ‘Unfavourable Condition’ for people and wildlife.
Few in the local community are aware of the canal’s ecological significance and how important it is for birds, invertebrates and small mammals. As part of this successful Green Recovery Challenge Fund bid, project workers will manage habitat to bring the SAC into ‘Favourable Condition’ while also engaging local people in the canal’s wildlife. Pocket parks will be created around the canal, acting as stepping stones for nature to connect habitats together. New habitat will also be created through planting, hedgerow planting, tree planting and wildflower meadow creation.
