Kenworthy Woods in south Manchester has been declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

The decision was made following approval at Manchester City Council's Executive Committee.

This will bring the number of LNRs in the city to nine and through this declaration, recognition by Natural England and other national conservation organisations such as the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

The declaration is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to put urban nature at the heart of the city’s biodiversity plans. Conserving, protecting and enhancing the city's green spaces and woodlands underpins the city's commitment and ambition to preserve and enhance biodiversity in the city.

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The status as a LNR not only helps to protect natural features and wildlife habitats and increase local involvement where people can learn and study in nature with all the added health and wellbeing that this brings but it also increases the opportunity to bid for additional funding to enhance and improve the area.

Kenworthy Woods in Northenden, covers 36 hectares and is located south of Chorlton Water Park, separated by the River Mersey and is a key link within the Mersey Valley network of sites of conservation value. It has a rich assortment of fungi species, flora and fauna and is a suitable habitat for priority species identified in the new Biodiversity Strategy, including the Willow Tit.