Manchester is among twenty-six English public library services that have received funding to launch new projects this month to help their communities build stronger connections with nature.
The projects are part of Culture Nature England, a partnership between Libraries Connected and Natural England, the government’s adviser for the natural environment. Manchester Libraries have been awarded £10k to develop seed libraries at 8 locations, and to promote nature walks to three local nature reserves.
The seed libraries would provide up to 3 packets of free seeds to customers signing up to the scheme. People would be encouraged to allow their seeds to grow to maturity and flower, then collect and return resultant seeds to the seed library for others to access.
We would encourage complete beginners and old hands alike to come together to share their knowledge on seed sowing, plant nurturing, compost and soil care and harvesting.
The initial seeds to be offered would be from 6/7 easy to grow varieties – a mix of wildflowers, herbs and vegetables – chosen to be beneficial to insects and meet local biodiversity requirements.
The project will include workshops/events in the library, with guided nature walks from three of the libraries to local nature reserves at Boggart Hole Clough, Highfield Country Park and Wythenshawe Park, and better mapping of green infrastructure around each of the 8 libraries.
Libraries will work with partners including our parks team and local community groups to maximise the benefits of this project. Manchester have signed up to the CILIP Green Manifesto and are developing an increasing range of services to help Manchester reach its carbon emission targets including acting as venues for people to drop off old technology which will be refurbished, and supporting litter picking campaigns.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Leisure, said: “Libraries are vital community resources that improve the lives of residents and communities. It is great that we have been successful in gaining this funding to increase libraries’ role in connecting people with nature. Manchester is blessed with high quality green spaces and this funding will lead to more people feeling better connected to the natural environment.”