Mersey Basin Campaign | Items with region Irwell

Publication dateDecember 2006 MBC105 New Model Farming The Northwest is blessed with beautiful upland habitats that are vital for maintaining biodiversity. However, due to subsidies paid to farmers, our uplands have been shrinking due to over-grazing and un-sustainable land management. Mark Hillsdon looks at the range of benefits open to farmers who enter into agri-environmental schemes and looks at the case study of Whitendale Farm in Lancashire that has become involved in United Utilities Sustainable Catchment Management Plan (SCaMP) aiming to help restore the natural landscape and utilise it as an alternative source of income.

Publication dateMarch 2007 MBC107 Alien Invasion Japanese knotweed - a plant that can grow through concrete and damage the foundations of houses. Giant hogweed - a plant that has sap that burns the skin and leaves wounds that can be aggravated by light up to six years after the initial contact. This may sound like something out of a science fiction film, but non-native invasive plants are one of the biggest threats to the UK's biodiversity. Ciara Leeming investigates some of the countries most dangerous plants and explores the problems associated with their control and eradication.

Publication dateJune 2007 MBC114 Environmental Champion - Sarah Williams Source talks to Sarah Williams, information assistant for the RSPB's Manchester Peregrines - Aren't Birds Brilliant project. She discusses how she got involved in the project and how surprised people are to find the world's fastest bird residing in the heart of Manchester.

Publication dateJune 2007 MBC118 Westward Ho! (Source) Anthony Wilson discusses the huge influence that Liverpool has had, not only on the world of music, but also on the world itself. He discusses how Liverpool's involvement in the slave trade allowed the UK to open its doors to rhythm and blues and sowed the seeds of rock and roll to allow the Beatles change the world forever.

Publication dateJanuary 2008 MBC120 Environmental Champion - Fiona Stanley Source talks to Fiona Stanley, classroom assistant at Summerville Primary School and driving force behind the school becoming Salford's first eco-school. She discusses what it means to be an eco-school and how it has benefitted both herself and the students at the school.

Publication dateMarch 2008 MBC128 Water Pressures With the amount of rain we get in the Northwest it is hard to believe that water could ever possibly be in short supply. In reality though, water supplies in the UK are already under serious threat, a threat which will only be exacerbated once climate change starts making an impact. With drier summers on the horizons water shortage will become a major issue not just for people, but for our environment as well. Matthew Sutcliffe takes a look at the bleak future of our region’s water supplies and examines United Utilities’ strategic direction statement that sets out its plans for coping with the challenges of climate change and our over-use of water.

Publication dateSeptember 2003 MBC042 This Land Is Our Land Ben Willis examines the Irk Valley Project, a pilot public participation exercise along the River Irwell which was one of the Northwest's first responses to the Water Framework Directive. He discovers how local people contributed to the river regeneration plans.

Publication dateDecember 2003 MBC047 Venice of the North Ben Willis reports on Manchester City Council's strategy for the regeneration of its waterways.