Environment & Nature in Greater Manchester

Facilitates collaborative educational projects between the University of Manchester and the Ardwick community to enhance local residents' lives. They engage in practical work and creative initiatives, such as the Ellen Wilkinson Social History Trail, which aims to promote community walking and raise awareness of social justice issues. Their efforts focus on sharing knowledge and resources to improve educational opportunities for local students and families. By connecting academic resources with community needs, they foster a supportive environment for learning and engagement.

Provides a range of services aimed at improving mental health and social inclusion within the Manchester community. Their initiatives include educational courses, cultural heritage tours, and community meetups designed to empower individuals facing social exclusion. Better We CIC also engages in activities that promote health awareness and physical well-being, while addressing pressing issues like climate change. They focus on fostering connections among community members and enhancing overall quality of life through various programs.

Cultivates a variety of produce to enhance access to fresh, locally grown food while promoting health and biodiversity. The organization specifically supports individuals and communities impacted by food insecurity and climate change.

Offers social and therapeutic horticulture activities aimed at supporting adults who are neurodiverse, have learning difficulties, or struggle with mental health issues. Based in Clophill, Bedfordshire, they provide hands-on gardening experiences that promote connection with nature and foster meaningful relationships. Their programs include general maintenance, sowing, planting, and selling products grown on their 1.5 acres of agricultural land. The CIC is run by volunteers and focuses on creating inclusive green spaces to reduce social isolation and empower individuals.

Bolton and Leigh Railway 200 Community Interest Company is dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of the Bolton and Leigh Railway through community engagement initiatives, including events, educational programs, and historical celebrations. They serve local residents, history enthusiasts, and visitors in the Bolton and Leigh area, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's railway history.

Organizes activities and initiatives to enhance community engagement at Bolton Station, transforming it into a vibrant hub for local residents and passengers. They collaborate with local organizations, schools, and the rail industry to promote well-being and community collaboration. Their projects include educational programs, eco-friendly initiatives, and events that empower individuals to become confident rail passengers. The CIC serves the Bolton area, aiming to connect residents with sustainable travel options and community resources.

Creates sustainable and socially just solutions to address climate and biodiversity crises while engaging local communities. Collaborates with local government, health, education, and voluntary sector organizations to promote inclusive food systems and nature-friendly initiatives.

Organizes community-driven litter clean-up events to enhance public spaces and promote environmental stewardship. Engages local residents and organizations to create cleaner, safer neighborhoods while protecting wildlife from litter and plastic pollution.

Offers hands-on bicycle maintenance training and access to affordable bicycles and tools, empowering local residents, including children and vulnerable adults, to overcome transport poverty and social exclusion. They conduct practical workshops and community events that promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport while enhancing mechanical skills. Unique programs like 'MCR Shredders' provide MTB rides for young people, and 'Tea & Tinker' workshops cater to older adults, fostering social connections through cycling activities. Operating in Greater Manchester, they aim to create a supportive cycling community.

Produces creative projects that focus on human rights, environmental sustainability, equality, and wellbeing. They amplify the voices of marginalized communities, particularly BAME individuals, through artistic expression and community engagement. Recent initiatives address themes of race, climate change, migration, and identity, primarily operating in Greater Manchester and London. Their unique approach includes mixed-media performances, interactive installations, and documentary filmmaking that engage local communities in social justice dialogues.

Offers a supportive cycling initiative aimed at enhancing physical and mental wellbeing through cycling. They provide free and refurbished bicycles to individuals in need, including Ukrainian refugees, and offer bicycle education and maintenance lessons. The organization focuses on fostering community engagement and helping individuals improve their health and mobility through cycling activities. Operating in Bolton, they aim to empower individuals to take charge of their health and promote an active lifestyle.

Donate-A-Light CIC repurposes surplus LED lighting from manufacturers to provide free, energy-efficient lighting solutions specifically for charities, hospices, and care homes. By enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable individuals, they ensure access to sustainable lighting across the UK.

Easy Come, Easy Grow MCR Community Interest Company operates an accessible and eco-friendly community garden in Newton Heath, Manchester. This resident-led initiative focuses on fostering community engagement and environmental sustainability, providing local residents with a green space for gardening, social interaction, and educational activities.

Provides community-focused archaeological and heritage services, specializing in hands-on excavation projects, public engagement, and educational initiatives. They support diverse groups, including schools, community organizations, and individuals, by fostering skills development and promoting local history preservation through social impact programmes and collaborative efforts with not-for-profits. Their activities include community excavations, public lectures, and job training initiatives aimed at enhancing local cultural heritage.

Offers inclusive outdoor education through Forest School programs, focusing on children under five and their families. Activities promote sensory experiences in nature, responsible risk-taking, and holistic learning, fostering confidence and a love for the natural world in a woodland setting. The organization provides opportunities for children to engage in bushcraft and outdoor skills, enhancing their emotional resilience and physical activity levels. They operate in Bolton and aim to create memorable outdoor experiences for participants.

Offers outdoor-focused activities that combine forest school principles with farming experiences for children, promoting environmental awareness and hands-on learning. Activities include food growing, ecosystem regeneration, campfire cooking, and woodland crafts.

Educates communities about fungi and sustainable food practices by transforming coffee waste into oyster mushrooms. They offer hands-on workshops and volunteer opportunities, particularly targeting young people and individuals facing food insecurity. The harvested produce is distributed to local areas in need, fostering community growth and collaboration. Unique programs include crafting tinctures and creating mycelium-rich worm bins to enhance local gardening efforts.

Fosters circular fashion ecosystems in Greater Manchester by organizing community engagement initiatives such as workshops, discussions, and clothing swap events. They support local fashion enthusiasts, businesses, and consumers in adopting sustainable practices and promoting second-hand fashion. Their unique approach includes collaborative events with local brands and a focus on building a community around sustainable fashion practices. The CIC aims to create a vibrant local network that encourages sustainable fashion choices and reduces environmental impact.

Provides Social and Therapeutic Horticulture services that enhance health and well-being through person-centred gardening activities and educational workshops. They primarily support local residents, schools, and community groups in Rochdale, fostering community engagement and connection to nature. Their offerings include taster sessions, ongoing support, and training for individuals and organizations interested in establishing community gardens or therapeutic gardens. The CIC emphasizes holistic approaches to gardening, promoting seasonal activities that benefit both mental and physical health.

Transforms wildlife data into actionable insights for local communities and organizations. They specialize in data management, intelligence analysis, and project management, helping beneficiaries understand and enhance their environmental impact. With over 30 years of experience, they focus on supporting environmental and social causes, believing in the power of collaborative data solutions. Their team includes experts who provide tailored insights to strengthen resilience and inform strategic decision-making.

Supports young offenders, former prisoners, women, and low-income families through therapeutic horticulture sessions and community engagement activities aimed at enhancing personal development and social inclusion.

Offers technology training and climate change awareness programs aimed at empowering underrepresented communities in Greater Manchester. They specifically focus on educating Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups about the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Their initiatives include workshops and community engagement activities that raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage collective action. By addressing these critical topics, they aim to enhance the quality of life for their beneficiaries and foster a more sustainable future.

Provides digital training and support to disadvantaged individuals and third sector organizations, focusing on enhancing digital skills and promoting device recycling. They engage experienced tech volunteers and students to deliver hands-on STEM activities aimed at tackling digital exclusion in the community. Their programs are designed to empower participants, particularly young people, by fostering creativity and confidence through technology. Operating primarily in Oldham, they aim to make digital skills and technology more accessible for all.

Works to perpetuate the legacy of Isaac Newell, the father of Argentinian football, through the planned erection of a statue in his Medway birthplace and broader heritage and education initiatives.

Offers high-energy, interactive workshops that use recycled materials to teach rhythm, teamwork, and creativity to children. The program integrates multiple subjects while promoting environmental awareness and confidence building.

Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley Heritage Group CIC focuses on preserving and promoting the local history and cultural heritage of the Leigh, Atherton, and Tyldesley areas. The group engages with local communities, schools, and history enthusiasts by organizing events, educational programs, and heritage projects, thereby fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents to their shared past.

Offers immersive outdoor learning experiences through forest school activities for children aged 1-5 and their families in East Bolton. The programs focus on fostering confidence, resilience, and independence while promoting a connection to nature and holistic development in an inclusive environment. Activities include wildlife identification, shelter-building, and campfires, designed to engage children of all abilities. Their unique approach empowers children to explore and investigate the outdoors, creating memorable experiences that nurture their growth.

Educates individuals and communities in Greater Manchester about the environmental and social impacts of clothing consumption and waste. They offer workshops, events, and collaborative initiatives that empower local designers and aspiring fashion professionals to adopt sustainable practices. By creating a platform for dialogue and engagement, they aim to foster a responsible fashion industry while supporting independent brands focused on sustainability. Their unique approach includes a retail space that combines shopping with education and community engagement around sustainability.

Creates and manages community gardens and food growing projects to promote sustainable food practices and enhance community wellbeing. They provide spaces for local residents to grow, cook, and share food together, fostering social connections and addressing food system challenges. Operating primarily in Manchester, their initiatives include the Platt Fields Market Garden and various community events that focus on social and therapeutic horticulture. They employ organic and regenerative methods to increase local biodiversity and support the local economy while reducing social isolation.

Provides rescue, rehabilitation, and protection for injured and distressed swans and other waterfowl in Milton Keynes. Engages the community in monitoring and reporting wildlife in need to ensure their safety and well-being.

Offers guidance and resources to help families reduce energy costs and combat energy poverty. Their initiatives aim to promote sustainability and improve the quality of life for local residents.

Myco Manchester Community Interest Company promotes sustainable agriculture by cultivating vegetables, melons, roots, and tubers, while providing local communities in Greater Manchester with access to fresh produce. They focus on enhancing healthy eating initiatives and offer volunteering opportunities, training, and social prescribing services to support their beneficiaries.

Offers practical advice and resources to help residents adopt eco-friendly lifestyles, focusing on energy savings and wildlife gardening. Empowers local communities to make sustainable choices that enhance biodiversity and promote environmental responsibility.

Offers sustainable and ethical catering services for events, meetings, and celebrations, utilizing ingredients from local producers and food that would otherwise go to waste. They provide free meals through community kitchens to individuals facing homelessness, low-income families, and refugees in Greater Manchester. Open Kitchen also conducts workshops and educational events focused on food sustainability, food waste reduction, and cooking skills, engaging volunteers to promote community involvement and awareness around food issues. All profits are reinvested to ensure access to healthier food options for the local community.

Offers nature-based sessions and forest school activities designed for children aged 0-14 and their families. Their programs focus on fostering a love for the outdoors, promoting environmental awareness, and supporting the development of social and emotional skills through hands-on experiences such as campfires, den-building, and outdoor learning. Located in Admiral Woods, Sittingbourne, they serve the surrounding areas of Maidstone and Medway. The unique approach emphasizes connecting the community to nature to enhance wellbeing and resilience.

Transforms neglected public spaces into vibrant urban gardens, engaging local communities through hands-on gardening initiatives. They promote environmental sustainability, enhance urban biodiversity, and foster social connections to improve mental health. Their activities involve collaboration with residents and volunteers, creating inclusive and sustainable urban gardens that reflect community needs. Through innovative programs, they aim to re-enchant city spaces and connect people with nature.

Provides support for community-based regeneration, neighbourhood management, and environmental initiatives across the North of England. They assist community groups, councils, schools, housing associations, and businesses by helping with funding applications, developing green space management plans, and organizing community events. Their approach emphasizes connecting local people with local investment to enhance community well-being and sustainability. Proffitts CIC is dedicated to fostering collaboration among residents and community organizations to create positive change.

Offers resources, education, and support to empower individuals and communities in Bolton to grow their own food, plants, and flowers, regardless of available space. They aim to inspire every household to engage in sustainable food cultivation, providing affordable seeds, plants, and invaluable advice for community groups. Their initiatives focus on inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can participate in growing their own food. By fostering a connected community, they strive to cultivate a greener and healthier Bolton.

Provides nature-based therapeutic experiences and alternative education for vulnerable children and young people, focusing on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and community support.

Promotes sustainable fashion practices through workshops and community engagement, focusing on the stories and experiences of local communities. They offer hands-on activities such as quilting and natural dye workshops, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to express their cultural identity through textiles. Operating primarily in Salford, they aim to foster social connections and environmental awareness within the community. Their unique approach includes collaborations with local artists and initiatives that highlight the importance of sustainability in fashion.