A NEW consultation has been launched on a large plan for nature recovery across Greater Manchester.

The first Local Nature Recovery Strategy aims to make space for nature where it is needed and support environmental recovery.

Residents and businesses are invited to participate until January 31, 2025.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is asking for input on this strategy, developed to tackle the loss of nature and biodiversity in recent decades.

Covering all forms of nature in Greater Manchester, the strategy includes urban parks, gardens, rivers, canals, nature reserves, and wilder upland areas.

The GMCA said a healthy natural environment is essential for sustained economic growth, and the health and well-being of those living and working in the city region.

Nature provides soil for food, air to breathe, water to drink, and land to live and work on, all contributing to £1 billion of benefits for Greater Manchester each year.

However, the GMCA said nature is being lost globally and locally.

In 2022, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and the GMCA declared a biodiversity emergency.

Despite these challenges, the GMCA said nature can recover, especially with help.

The GMCA has developed the first Greater Manchester Plan for Nature, in collaboration with local partners.

This will form the basis for nature recovery in Greater Manchester, detailing how to create space for nature where most needed.

Councillor Tom Ross, Greater Manchester lead for green city-region, said: "Nature is fundamental to the success of Greater Manchester, but it is abundantly clear that it needs our help.

"We can all do more to improve the state of nature across the city-region and protect green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

"Our new plan for nature will sit at the heart of our drive for nature recovery, providing a roadmap for how we can all work together to help nature recover and where we need to focus our efforts to have the biggest impact.

"I would urge all residents to have their say here so we can help our nature recover together."

For more information, residents and businesses can visit the Greater Manchester Combined Authority website.