Exploring Greater Manchester’s natural environment responsibly

Greater Manchester is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside, historic canal paths, and an abundance of green spaces. These areas are not only great places to visit and explore during your time in the city-region, but are also of historic significance, home to native wildlife, and vital to supporting biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

We want visitors to enjoy and learn more about these places and our natural environment. However, it is important to us that everyone explores responsibly across Greater Manchester’s parks, canals and surrounding countryside.

When visiting our natural spaces, we ask that you treat them with respect. This means looking after the environment around you and ensuring you do not leave places in a worse condition than when you found them.

We have outlined the following guidance for you to follow. By doing so, you will help to support sustainable tourism and protect our wildlife.

Visiting natural areas responsibly

Respectful behaviour

  • Stay on designated walking paths to avoid damaging vegetation and disturbing wildlife.
  • Do not feed or interfere with animals in their natural habitats.
  • Respect the tranquillity of nature by avoiding loud noise.
  • Keep dogs under control, particularly around wildlife and livestock
  • Always clean up after dogs responsibly and use provided bins.

Waste and cleanliness

  • Do not litter or leave rubbish; dispose of waste in appropriate bins.
  • Never throw rubbish into Greater Manchester’s canals or waterways.
  • Minimise plastic use by carrying reusable water bottles and bags.
  • Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly.
  • Refrain from lighting open fires to reduce the risk of fire.

Respecting cultural and historic sites

  • Do not write on or carve into stones, walls or historic monuments.
  • Avoid physical contact that may damage heritage structures.
  • Respect local culture and traditions where relevant.

Principles of responsible tourism

Sustainable transport

  • Where possible, choose lower-carbon travel to Greater Manchester, including trains and coaches.
  • Reduce your carbon footprint by using the Bee Network, including trams, buses, cycle hire and walking routes.
  • Use designated walking and cycling routes, such as Bee Network cycle lanes and signed routes.
  • If travelling by car, consider park and ride options or car sharing.
  • Drive responsibly and ensure your vehicle is well maintained.

Water and energy use

  • If staying in or near natural areas, avoid excessive water and energy use.
  • Choose accommodation with environmentally friendly practices where possible.

Protecting wildlife

  • Do not harm wildlife or disturb natural habitats.
  • Do not pick flowers or remove plants.
  • Follow local guidance to support plant and animal conservation.
  • Adhere to local regulations and support conservation efforts where possible.
  • Be mindful of seasonal risks such as nesting birds, flooding, or dry conditions that increase fire risk.

Visitor safety

  • Stick to marked routes and follow local signage.
  • Follow guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
  • Be considerate of others and help keep paths accessible for everyone.

Visit Manchester’s commitment

At Visit Manchester, we are committed to:

  • Educating visitors about our region’s natural environment and encouraging sustainable choices
  • Promoting low-impact attractions and eco-conscious accommodation
  • Working with local authorities and environmental organisations to support conservation
  • Championing environmentally responsible practices across the region

We want everyone to explore Greater Manchester’s natural beauty while remaining environmentally conscious. Together, we can help preserve these spaces for generations to come.