Climate Minister visits Southway Housing
5 November 2025
As government continues to go further and faster to tackle climate change, places like Barlow Hall will be vital so we can support and build on the strength of knowledge amongst local communities on the importance of protecting our natural environment.
Minister for Climate Katie White OBE MP praised the work of staff and volunteers at Southway Housing Trust's award-winning green space in Manchester in a visit that highlighted the role housing associations have in helping to improve in sustainability.
Katie visited the Barlow Hall site in Chorlton to highlight the important role communities have in protecting and enhancing the environment in the week the government is publishing its future plans on climate change.
Southway Housing Trust owns and manages the space which was recently awarded a national Green Flag for the ninth year running – recognition that the area achieves high environmental standards, is well-maintained and promotes community engagement.
On a site tour, Urban Ranger Debbie explained how Barlow Hall is rich in biodiversity and how climate change impacts how she maintains the space and habitats through planting of native species. Areas such as bug hotels also help to encourage an increase in wildlife, including hedgehogs and birds.
Work to maintain Barlow Hall’s beauty takes place all-year round and the community organises litter picks, family activities and other projects. These include a community bulb planting event organised by the Barlow Hall Neighbourhood Group which took place last week.
During her visit the Minister was given a demonstration of scarifying, the purpose of which is to create some bare ground to allow wildflower seeds to contact the soil and germinate. A mixture of wildflower seeds were then sown onto this ground.
Minister for Climate, Katie White, said: "Visiting Barlow Hall was genuinely inspiring - the energy and enthusiasm of volunteers like Debbie and Will was infectious. A thriving community hub that shows just what a vital role green spaces play in everyday life, from protecting biodiversity to improving health and cleaner air and providing fruit for children on the walk to school.
“As government continues to go further and faster to tackle climate change, places like Barlow Hall will be vital so we can support and build on the strength of knowledge amongst local communities on the importance of protecting our natural environment.”
John Bowker, Southway Housing Trust Chief Executive, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to Barlow Hall and showcase how our staff and volunteers have created somewhere special for nature and our communities to thrive.
“We’re very proud of our strong commitment to the environment and take pride in giving our residents places to be close to nature and to enjoy. We wouldn’t be able to have a wonderful place like Barlow Hall without our staff and the help of the local community.”
PlaceShapers Chief Executive Catherine Ryder said: “Housing associations can play a vital role in supporting nature recovery, promoting biodiversity and improving access to high-quality green space for their communities. It was great to show the Minister how organisations like Southway are leading the way and how their commitment, partnerships and creativity are making a real difference to their communities.”
Fiona Vincer, Chair of Barlow Hall Neighbourhood Group, said: “It was lovely to meet Katie White and talk to her about the work we’re doing at Barlow Hall. Taking climate change seriously is fundamental to our future and we should all do what we can about it. Projects like this benefit everyone and it’s great to be able to show what we can achieve by coming together in our communities.”