Julie Burniston looks at the healing power of green spaces in our city.
Manchester’s green spaces play a pivotal role in enriching the lives of its residents, serving as sanctuaries of nature amid a bustling city landscape. These green spaces, ranging from expansive parks to quaint community gardens, provide much-needed opportunities for relaxation and recreation, contributing to the overall wellbeing of the population.
Take, for example, the sprawling Heaton Park. Spanning over 600 acres and offering a diverse range of landscapes, from serene woodlands to picturesque lakes, it’s a place where people can escape the stress of everyday life and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of nature by taking a leisurely stroll along winding pathways, picnicking on lush green lawns, or simply enjoying the beauty of seasonal blooms in the park’s meticulously maintained gardens.
Similarly, smaller urban green spaces such as St. John’s Gardens and Sackville Gardens provide intimate retreats within the city centre, where locals and visitors alike can find solace amid lush foliage, vibrant flowerbeds, and tranquil water features.
Community-led initiatives further enhance the city’s green landscape, fostering a sense of pride among residents. Projects such as Hulme Community Garden Centre and Crumpsall Park Community Garden not only provide opportunities for gardening and horticultural activities, but also serve as vibrant hubs for social interaction.
The recent RHS Urban Show at Mayfield Depot underscored Manchester’s commitment to urban greenery. A celebration of gardening, sustainability, and bringing people together, with famous city spots turning into green oases for a while, it really got people excited about gardening in their own neighbourhoods. While visitors may have found a newfound appreciation for the beauty of nature and a determination to nurture and protect it in their own environments, green spaces are not merely luxuries. Instead, they are an essential component of urban life, offering a multitude of mental, physical, and social benefits.
Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces elevates mood, reduces feelings of anxiety and depression, and fosters a sense of overall wellbeing. Additionally, green spaces allow the mind to rest and recharge, thereby improving concentration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Green spaces in urban areas also offer significant physical health benefits. They encourage outdoor activities which improve cardiovascular health and combat sedentary lifestyles and also act as natural air purifiers, reducing air pollution and lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses. Exposure to green spaces also strengthens the immune system by introducing beneficial microorganisms found in soil and vegetation, while sunlight exposure stimulates vitamin D production, essential for overall health.
Discover more about the benefits of urban green spaces and find out how you can make a difference in your neighbourhood by logging onto: Rhs.org.uk/get-involved
Top five green urban spaces in Manchester
Heaton Park: Spanning 600 acres, this expansive park offers landscaped gardens, woodlands, and lakes.
Wythenshawe Park: Set in 109 hectares, this park features open parkland, historic woodlands, herbaceous borders, and the Grade II listed Wythenshawe Hall.
Debdale Park: Located south of Gorton Lower Reservoir, this park offers recreational facilities, ornamental gardens, wooded areas, and a refurbished community room.
Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden: Situated in Didsbury, this Victorian garden boasts rockeries, ponds, and a walled garden amidst picturesque surroundings.
St. John’s Gardens: A peaceful green space in central Manchester, offering benches and picnic tables for relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.