On Tuesday 12th March campaign group Ardwick Climate Action, with the support of The University of Manchester launched a new green walking route where local people can avoid the excessive pollution caused by motor vehicles.

The scheme, close to Kale Street, will help combat the area’s disproportionate exposure to air pollution, improve the health and wellbeing of local people, and improve public safety away from major roads.

Nine signs put up along the various entry points to the attractive 15-minute walk will contain digitally interactive QR codes, which when scanned with a smartphone will direct the public to various webpages.

The pages contain information about local ecology and how plant species support Manchester’s biodiversity.

They also detail the history of the site and the local community groups that manage it.

One of the researchers, Lydia Becker Institute Eco-immunology Deputy Branch Lead Professor Sheena Cruickshank said: “Collaborative working between local communities and our researchers was vital to understand the barriers for active travel and the issues that most impacted residents.

“By engaging with communities we can promote awareness of the risks of pollution to health and do more meaningful research that best meets the needs of those most impacted by pollution.

She added: “This research highlighted real issues encountered by residents of high levels of pollution and dangerous roads with fast moving traffic.

“There is a lack of crossings across busy roads which makes it very hard for residents to get around safely.

“We are so excited about the green route and we really hope it makes a difference to residents for their health and wellbeing as they can avoid some of the traffic and pollution and enjoy the incredible biodiversity created by the planting done by ACA”.

Read more about the research here

Image: Cllr Amna Abdullatif

Related