A popular country park in Trafford is set to receive a massive revamp after funding was successfully secured.
Almost £100,000 is being pumped into the transformation of Wellacre Country Park in Urmston, with the improvement of footpaths, bolstered wildlife habitats, and installation of new signs all in the pipeline as work is due to start on the huge project imminently
It comes after conservation charity City of Trees secured £71,142 from Veolia Environmental Trust and a further £25,000 from Trafford Council to carry out the works.
The project will improve the site’s biodiversity and bring better access to nature for local people – which Trafford Council said is vital as part of the post-pandemic green recovery in the borough.
Some of the major improvements set to be carried out include renewing a main footpath from Ambleside to Carrington Road to improve access and enhance safety, as well as replacing all signage and enhancing wildlife habitats across the park.
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On top of that, new information boards and signs will be installed across the site to provide local wildlife and heritage information, and encourage people to explore other local sites and routes as the parks links well to the Urmston Active Neighbourhood and wider Mersey Valley.
☑️ Work begins on a major project to improve access and biodiversity at Wellacre Country Park
The project will improve the site’s biodiversity and bring better access to nature for local people – vital as part of the post-pandemic green recovery.
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The improvements will include renewing a main footpath from Ambleside to Carrington Road to improve access and enhance safety, as well as replacing all signage and enhancing wildlife habitats across the park. There will also be volunteer conservation days so that residents can be part of the transformation of this important green asset.
Habitat enhancements through woodland management, wildflower planting, grassland management and invasive species control will also be carried out.
It’s hoped that local schools and residents will be in the revamp process too.
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“This is fantastic news for Wellacre Country Park and I am delighted that Trafford Council was able to help fund the work which is due to take place.” said Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services.
“Trafford Council is passionate about the environment and we are committed to improving all of Trafford’s green spaces for future generations to enjoy, recognising the multiple benefits they bring.
“It is one of our main priorities and a key part of our pandemic recovery and climate emergency response through nature.”
Almost £100,000 is being pumped into the revamp of Wellacre Country Park in Urmston / Credit: City of Trees
El Walker – spokesperson from City of Trees – added: “We are delighted to have secured this funding as part of our commitment to the Trafford Countryside Management Partnership [as] Wellacre Country Park is a beautifully diverse site with lots of potential for both visitors and wildlife.
“We are looking forward to involving the community in our volunteer days when we can.”
Featured Image – Trafford Council
UK News
The 2027 World Climbing Series is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
In yet more huge sporting news for Greater Manchester, the 2027 World Climbing Series is coming to 0161 later this year.
We’ve had plenty of big peaks of late, but things seem to just keep going up and up.
Set to host the global event for the first time in our history, Manchester will welcome the World Climbing Series (WCS), which is set to include both Olympic and Paralympic disciplines ahead of the next Summer Games in 2028.
2027 will mark the 38th edition of the series, which will also be one of only a handful to be held in the North – it’s just down to our city to make it the best.
Officially announced on Friday, 16 January, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) confirmed the return to the UK.
Founded back in 1989, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) is coming up on four decades since the competition first began – Leeds being chosen as the inaugural hosts – the event has come a long way since then.
The IFSC’s rebranding of the annual bouldering, lead and speed trials to the modern WSC, which began last year, was initially revealed back in 2023.
Welcoming continental talent right down to the youth level, the upcoming 2026 World Climbing Series is taking place in the summer and will be hosted by the city of Innsbruck in Austria.
As for the WSC’s Manchester debut, which is being organised in collaboration with the City Council, Manchester Accommodation BID, MCR Active and the National Lottery via UK Sport investment.
It’s not the only big sporting celebration that the Council will be supporting in 2027.
Paul Ratcliffe, CEO of the British Mountaineering Council, said in an official statement: “It’s exciting to be able to confirm that a World Series climbing event will return to the UK in 2027 as part of the BMC’s major event programme.
“Hosting a competition of this scale in Manchester is a strong statement about the UK’s place on the international climbing stage and a great opportunity for our athletes, fans, the climbing community and the wider public to experience the sport at the very highest level.
“Our ‘Route to Adventure’ strategy sets out how we will build on moments like this to support people into climbing and help them progress, whatever their starting point. Using major events to inspire participation, strengthen pathways and reinforce our commitment to inclusion is central to our long-term approach.”
Scheduled to take place in June, you can find out more information about the 2027 World Climbing Series in Manchester by signing up for the official event mailing list HERE.
The Tour de France is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Greater Manchester and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s another big sporting landmark for us Mancs.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race and the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be passing through our region next summer.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
With Greater Manchester boasting not only the National Cycling Centre, but having already hosted the Tour of Britain – which has passed through Altrincham on multiple ocassions – we’re well-versed when it comes to the sport.
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
Not only are we buzzing that the racing will be returning to our friends in Leeds and Sheffield, but also nice to see other Northern regions lending their roads and stunning landscapes, such as the Lake District and wider parts of Cumbria.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
“Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Emily Sergeant -
23rd June 2021 
