Bury LPA BNG

Bury’s habitat mosaic reflects its transitional position between urban Greater Manchester and the rural Pennine fringe.

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Upland and Moorland Habitats

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The northern and eastern edges include areas of blanket bog, wet heath, and upland acid grassland, which are priority habitats and sensitive to disturbance.

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Moorland fringe transitions into pastoral farmland with scattered woodlands.

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Grassland Habitats

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Improved grassland is widespread in rural and urban fringes, often managed for agriculture or amenity use.

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Lowland neutral and acid grasslands occur along river valleys and remnant heathland sites.

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Amenity grassland in parks and recreation areas provides opportunities for enhancement.

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Woodland and Scrub Habitats

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Extensive lowland mixed deciduous woodland occurs within river valleys, parks, and old estates, offering important habitats for bats, birds, and invertebrates.

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Secondary woodland and scrub colonise former industrial and quarry sites.

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Wetland and Watercourse Habitats

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The River Irwell and tributaries such as the River Roch run through the borough, supporting riverine and floodplain habitats.

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Ponds, marshy grassland, and reedbeds are scattered in low-lying areas and parks.

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Brownfield and Post-industrial Habitats

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Open mosaic habitats are found on disused railway lines, quarry edges, and brownfield land, supporting diverse flora and invertebrates.

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These areas provide important BNG opportunities in an urban context.

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Hedgerows and Linear Features

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Hedgerows remain a key landscape feature in rural parts, providing wildlife corridors and connectivity.

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Canal and river corridors are vital for ecological connectivity across the borough.