The programme began with a VIP launch attended by Manchester City Council Leader (and now Mayor of Greater Manchester) Bev Craig, project partners and invited guests. This was followed by a free public event that welcomed over 500 people into the new green space.

The family-friendly programme included live acoustic music, nature-based crafts, face painting, street food and guided wellbeing walks. With Plant MCR delvering seed-bomb making, bug-hotel activities and a community BioBlitz, helping visitors discover more about the woodland’s biodiversity.

Solid Ground managed the event planning, supplier coordination, marketing and on-site delivery. The launch introduced St Catherine’s Wood as an accessible new place for nature, play and community activity within the wider regeneration of Victoria North.