The Neighbourhoods, Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss the progress of the CyanLines programme, updates on the city's parks strategy, and reports on green and blue infrastructure, sustainable food practices, and an overview of the committee's work. The meeting's agenda focused on environmental initiatives, community engagement, and the council's ongoing strategies for a greener and more sustainable Manchester.

CyanLines Programme - Progress Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the CyanLines programme, a partnership initiative aiming to create a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient Manchester. The programme seeks to enhance access to parks, rivers, canals, and neighbourhood destinations through a network of connected routes. It also focuses on testing new approaches to partnership working, investment, and delivery by combining expertise from public, private, and voluntary sectors. The report was expected to detail the programme's progress in establishing governance, developing route concepts, building partner networks, and securing public engagement. The next phase was planned to focus on translating this momentum into deliverable projects and investment opportunities. The report highlighted the programme's potential to deliver significant environmental benefits, including increased urban greening, biodiversity enhancement, and climate adaptation, while also supporting active travel choices. Accessibility and inclusion were noted as central design principles, aiming to improve access to nature and public spaces for a wide range of users. The programme also aims to support Manchester's Child Friendly City ambitions by improving access to safe and attractive local routes.

Update on Manchester's Park Strategy 2017 - 2027

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the progress of Manchester's Park Strategy, delivered through the Our Parks, Our Plan initiative. This update was expected to include reporting from Grounds Maintenance and outline the next steps for developing the city's Parks Strategy beyond 2027, including plans for citywide engagement with residents, stakeholders, and elected members. The strategy is designed to embed the commitment to becoming zero-carbon by 2038, with key actions focused on biodiversity, land management, and reducing the carbon footprint of park activities. The report was also set to highlight how the strategy supports the Our Manchester strategy outcomes, focusing on creating healthier, more active, and connected communities, attractive neighbourhoods, and a thriving, low-carbon city. Financial implications included significant investment in Grounds Maintenance and Parks, with further funding allocated for an autumn events programme.

Manchester Green and Blue Strategy and Implementation Plan Annual Update and a report on the Tree and Woodland Action Plan

The committee was scheduled to review an annual update on the delivery of the Green and Blue Implementation Plan, alongside information on the Biodiversity Strategy and the Tree and Woodland Action Plan (TAWAP). This report aimed to detail progress made between April and August 2026, highlighting how the work on improving green and blue spaces contributes to the Our Manchester vision, supports the city's growth agenda, and aids in creating a more climate-resilient and biodiverse city. The report was expected to cover progress towards a new Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy, due for consultation later in the year, and updates on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and the Urban Green Factor. Key areas of focus included improving the quality and functionality of green and blue infrastructure, using it as a component of new developments, enhancing connectivity and accessibility, and promoting awareness of its benefits. The report also detailed progress on the Tree and Woodland Action Plan, noting the impact of recent drought conditions on trees and plans for future planting and tree management.

Sustainable Food Update

This report was scheduled to provide an update on the City Council's and its partners' work to promote sustainable food practices, focusing on the 'Food for the Planet' objectives within the Manchester Food Strategy 2023-28. A particular emphasis was to be placed on community food growing, including an update on the Growing Manchester programme. The report was expected to cover council activities such as sustainable event practices, market operations, and waste reduction initiatives. It would also detail the work of the Our Manchester Food Partnership (OMFP) in providing affordable and culturally appropriate food, and highlight large organisations' efforts in reducing waste and packaging. The report was also to provide an update on increasing the quantity and quality of food growing spaces across the city, including the Growing Manchester programme, allotment estate activities, and other food growing initiatives.

Overview Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an Overview Report from the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit. This report typically includes a monitor of previous recommendations, a summary of key decisions relevant to the committee's remit, and the committee's work programme. This allows members to stay informed about ongoing actions and future planned discussions.