A new long-term project has now been launched to inspire a new generation of urban gardeners and bring more “beneficial green spaces” to the city.
NOMA – the mixed-use neighbourhood in the heart of Manchester city centre – has recently launched the new initiative, PlantNOMA, and it’s not only committing to making the surrounding environment “even more vibrant and beautiful”, but is also putting an emphasis on engaging the local community and increasing biodiversity.
The project is a first-of-its kind for Manchester, and it’s set to bring together hundreds of community gardeners, urbanists, designers, researchers, and artists, as well as local residents from across the city.
PlantNOMA is being delivered by NOMA’s onsite creative team, Standard Practice, who are collaborating with The National Trust, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), and The Prince’s Trust too.
A host of community groups will also be getting involved to deliver a diverse programme of workshops, talks, projects, and more.
The project includes a diverse programme of events, which are open to the public and taking place regularly – including a drop-in Wednesday evening city gardening session to help people unwind after work, pick up some tips, and most-importantly, connect with nature.
And, as part of its partnership with MMU, PlantNOMA has already welcomed students across a range of disciplines from the School of Art to work on live project briefs too.
Liz Dalby-Webb has also been appointed as the neighbourhood’s own gardener, and she brings a wealth of gardening knowledge from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) where she trained, as well as a love for house plants and allotments.
“We are grounded in the belief that we can create a better, more inclusive city through gardening with people,” said Ben Young – creative principal at Standard Practice.
“As we nurture NOMA, a more dramatic, romantic, and abundant city awaits us.”
PlantNOMA has already welcomed 45 students from the School of Art as part of its partnership with MMU / Credit: PlantNOMA (via Facebook)
Eleanor Underhill – the National Trust’s Urban Lead for the North – added on the new project: “At the National Trust, we want everyone to have access to nature and green spaces, including in cities.
“We know how important urban green space is for people’s wellbeing, so as well as opening Castlefield Viaduct as a new temporary urban park for the city this summer, we’re proud to be collaborating with Standard Practice on Plant at NOMA.
“We want to help people in Manchester get closer to nature where they live.”
The first-of-its-kind project is engaging the local community and increasing biodiversity / Credit: PlantNOMA (via Instagram)
Dan Hyde – development director at MEPC – also said: ”At NOMA, we are committed to delivering a real sense of neighbourhood [and] creating opportunities for people to connect with nature and with each other is a powerful way of doing that.
“PlantNOMA is just another example of our community-led, inclusive approach to development which puts social value and sustainability at the core.
“I look forward to seeing the project grow over the coming months.”
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
Chester Zoo confirms sex of viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check
Emily Sergeant
It’s the news we’ve all been for… Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check.
In case you need bringing up to speed, the new baby arrived to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, who are both three-years-old, earlier this summer on 10 June, and since then, keepers at Chester Zoo said mum and cub had mostly spent their time quietly tucked away in a cosy den, away from the eyes of the onlooking public.
But just last week, it was time for the little one to see what the outside world is all about, and the zoo’s cameras captured it venturing outside for the very first time.
Back then though, we were still awaiting confirmation of the cub’s sex.
Now, Chester Zoo has confirmed that the adorable ball of fluff was taken to the zoo’s specialist vets and carnivore keepers this week to be examined, weighed, vaccinated, and most importantly, ‘sexed’ – and finally, it has been revealed as a female.
Keepers say the playful new arrival is now eight weeks old and growing in strength and confidence every day, with mum Nubra watching over closely.
“At eight weeks old, the cub has undergone the first of two all-important health checks,” explained Mark Brayshaw, who is the Head of Mammals at Chester Zoo.
Chester Zoo has confirmed the sex of its viral snow leopard cub after its first vet health check / Credit: Chester Zoo
“These quick examinations by the zoo’s vets are really important for us to make sure the cub is healthy and in good physical condition.
“We recorded the cub’s weight, checked its heartbeat, eyes, and teeth before swiftly returning the cub to mum Nubra, [and] we’re very happy to report that the cub was given a clean bill of health and we can finally reveal that it is indeed a female.
“Now comes one of the toughest tasks of all – choosing a name worthy of such a special arrival.”
Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and it’s believed there are as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild.
Stay tuned to find out the little one’s name, expected to be revealed very soon.
In fact, you might as well throw in your own suggestion – we’ve already offered ours…
How about Medo? 🥹
It means ‘little flower’ in Tibetan, the same as her mother’s tongue. 🌼
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2022 
