The scheme by Ardwick Climate Action (ACA) and the University is close to Kale Street in Ardwick, and will help to combat the area’s disproportionate exposure to air pollution, improve the health and wellbeing of local people, and improve public safety away from major roads.

The nine signs which have been put up along the various entry points to the attractive 15-minute walk contain digitally interactive QR codes, which when scanned with a smartphone will direct the public to various webpages. The pages contain information about local ecology and how plant species support Manchester’s biodiversity. They also detail the history of the site and the local community groups that manage it.  

Since 2022, ACA has conducted research in partnership with the University which showed that local communities are route to enhancing understanding local sources of pollution are, and where barriers to less polluting forms of travel exist.

One of the researchers, Professor Sheena Cruickshank, said: “Collaborative working between local communities and our researchers was vital to understand the barriers for active travel and the issues that most impacted residents. By engaging with communities, we can promote awareness of the risks of pollution to health and do more meaningful research that best meets the needs of those most impacted by pollution.  

“This research highlighted real issues encountered by residents of high levels of pollution and dangerous roads with fast moving traffic. There is a lack of crossings across busy roads which makes it very hard for residents to get around safely.

“We are so excited about the green route, and we really hope it makes a difference to residents for their health and wellbeing as they can avoid some of the traffic and pollution and enjoy the incredible biodiversity created by the planting done by ACA.”