A review of Manchester Foundation Trust Estate’s Green Spaces and Biodiversity
Sow the City, in partnership with Terra Ecology assessed the green space and biodiversity within the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) estate. This data was used to produce a report outlining opportunities for extension and/ or enhancement of this green space to enhance biodiversity.
"The Ecology and Green Space Report that Sow the City completed was really beneficial in helping us understand the quality and quantity of the natural environment across our estate. We have been able to incorporate this information into our digital twin to support decision making around development, and it is enabling us to identify opportunities for nature recovery."
Paul Lewis, Manchester Foundation Trust Sustainability Manager
Review of Greater Manchester hospitals green spaces
Manchester University NHS Foundation (MFT) Trust spans seven separate hospital sites, which all have an abundance of green spaces. This report proposes enhancements for the estate’s green spaces to maximise their benefits. Green spaces of any size bring advantages for wildlife and local biodiversity through the provision of shelter, food, and water. They also play a crucial role in reducing surface water run-off, urban cooling, absorption of pollutants, and a buffer against the effects of extreme weather. Alongside these environmental benefits, green spaces also compliment the primary goals of hospital sites by supporting individual’s physical health and mental wellbeing.
A bespoke methodology was conducted. Starting with a desk study which used google earth imagery to map adjacent habitats to the hospitals. Our bespoke assessment framework, consisted of an existing ecological value study of each hospital site, following the Phase 1 habitat survey methodology. Proposed site-specific enhancements including tree planting, hedge planting, wildflower meadows, therapeutic hardens, green roof and walls where then suggested. We calculated the Biodiversity Net Gain value of each of these enhancements. We also estimated a green wellbeing score for each of these interventions, considering active engagement such as therapeutic horticulture sessions and passive engagement such as viewing nature from hospital wards. Each intervention was classified for its estimated cost and resources available to aid the green space enhancements such as funding where noted.
Our proposed enhancements support the Manchester Foundation Trust’s Green Plan which commits to the maximisation of quality of green infrastructure. By implementing these recommendations, the hospitals can create biodiverse and therapeutic environments that enhance the patient experience, improve overall well-being, and contribute to a more sustainable hospital environment.
