Making our neighbourhoods greater and greener with the National Trust

As part of our plan to make our neighbourhoods more nature friendly and benefit our communities, we are partnering with the National Trust. 

We are very excited to be working on a series of joint projects over the next three years to help us tackle climate change in our neighbourhoods, improve our green spaces and bring more nature to customers’ doorsteps. 

Projects so far include… 

Updated Neighbourhood Care policy and environmental strategy

We have updated our Neighbourhood Care policy and specification with our involved customers, with input from the National Trust, to reflect our ambitions to boost biodiversity and improve the appearance of our neighbourhoods.

We have also made sure our Homes Strategy includes ways we can reduce our environmental impact while delivering great services to customers and communities.

Exploring the green spaces at Barker Street

Bio blitz

During summer 2024 we carried out a bioblitz in our Eldon Street neighbourhood to understand what nature is already present in the area. Knowing this is helping us to decide what nature-friendly methods we can use to look after green spaces across our neighbourhoods. 

We will be repeating this exercise every year and will share updates on changes we see. 
 

No mow zones

In May 2024 we piloted no mow zones in our Barker Street and Eldon Street neighbourhoods to support No Mow May. Leaving patches of grass to grow for longer allows native flowers and plants to bloom, providing important sources of food and shelter for wildlife, tackling pollution and helping local people to connect with nature. 

The pilot project provided important learning and in May 2025 we increased our no mow zones by 25% for the 2025 grass cutting season April-October as part of our commitment to supporting the borough’s environment.

No Mow May, ©National Trust Images/Susan Guy

No dig beds

To build on the success of nature friendly zones in our neighbourhoods - including wildflower plots, no cut zones and native flower spaces - we have now introduced no dig beds. 

We have selected shrub beds across the borough where we will be using the no dig gardening method. This eco-friendly way to grow involves piling mulch or compost on top of the soil, rather than digging it in.

By doing this we cut down how much the soil is disturbed, help keep it healthy and improve the appearance of plants these areas. 

Looking ahead we will be…

Asking customers to shape our work

We will be working with our Customer Voice Panel, Neighbourhood Champions and residents in our communities to hear their views on how we look after their neighbourhoods in an environmentally friendly way. 

Developing community land management projects

We want to increase the number of community land management projects in our neighbourhoods. This follows the success of the Day Drive community garden which celebrated its one year anniversary in June 2025. This scheme has created a space for neighbours in Failsworth to grow food, learn new skills and support each other. 

Workshop with the grounds maintenance team to explore various land management approaches

Managing green waste

We will explore how we can control and reduce the green waste that FCHO and our customers produce, by promoting activities like composting. 

We will be sharing updates on our partnership with the National Trust here on our website and you can also stay up to date on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. 

Help shape our work

If you would like to know more about any of these projects or think they would work in your neighbourhood, please get in touch. 

Email servicecentre@fcho.co.uk or call 0161 393 7117.