54 - Manchester Pennine Fringe : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The Manchester Pennine Fringe occupies the transitional zone between the open moorlands of the Dark Peak and Southern Pennines, and the densely populated urban conurbation of Manchester. The area wraps around Manchester from Bolton in the north-west to the edge of Hazel Grove in the east, and includes the industrial towns of Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, Dukinfield and Glossop.

This transitional area runs along the edge of the Millstone Grit of the Pennine uplands, and is underlain by Carboniferous Millstone Grit and the Pennine Coal Measures, which broadly dip to the south-west. The area owes much of its character to its proximity to the adjacent Pennine moors, and the deeply incised, steep valleys that characterise the transition from moorland to urban area. The elevation of the area is generally between 100 m and 300 m, between the lower plains and higher Pennine moors.

Much of the countryside is influenced by recreational use from adjacent urban areas and also by the diversification of farmland. The river valleys, upland hinterland and proximity of urban development all contribute to the area’s distinct Pennine fringe character.

The natural distribution of habitats throughout the area has been heavily modified by human activity over centuries, especially since the Industrial Revolution. Woodland is concentrated in narrow, steep-sided valleys that cut into smooth shoulders of pastoral land, but it also extends along whole river valleys. In recent years, community woodland has been created in the urban areas. Rivers and canals are also an important feature of this area, providing transport routes and links to industrial heritage, as well as important sites for biodiversity. The Rochdale Canal is internationally important as it supports floating water-plantain. Large tracts of the South Pennine Moors and Peak District Moors internationally important sites and supporting habitat are adjacent to this fringe area. Part of the Peak District National Park lies within the Manchester Pennine Fringe NCA, as does the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, offering increased opportunities to encourage visitors to engage with and enjoy the local environment.

Challenges from development, transport links and recreation are significant in this fringe area. However, there are opportunities to improve habitat quality, distribution and connectivity, provide better water quality and storage, minimise erosion, and increase carbon storage and recreational provisions. This can strengthen landscape resilience and adaptation to climate change, and manage increased tourism and recreational demand, while promoting the positive benefits that contact with nature affords.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Manage, enhance and expand the network of green infrastructure (such as rivers, woodlands, restored industrial sites, parklands and canal routes) within the urban areas, to increase biodiversity, strengthen access and recreational use, and increase understanding of the area’s rich industrial heritage, natural heritage and geodiversity.

SEO 2

Sustainably manage and enhance the distinctive features of the Pennine fringe landscape, including the predominantly pastoral agricultural land use, the mosaic of farmland and upland fringe habitats, the clough woodland, the drystone walling and the gritstone buildings, to strengthen the landscape character, and improve habitat condition and connectivity, bringing benefits for water quality and reduced soil erosion.

SEO 3

Manage and continue to enhance Manchester Pennine Fringe’s characteristic watercourses, such as the fast-flowing rivers and restored canals; conserve and extend the associated riparian habitats, to strengthen their role, extend and link habitats, manage flood risk, improve water quality and reduce soil run-off, and provide opportunities for recreation.

SEO 4

Manage existing woodlands and community forests, and extend broadleaved woodland cover in appropriate locations, to help mitigate the effects of climate change, improve biodiversity, reduce the impact of new development, and provide access to nature and green infrastructure links into urban areas.