From landfill to public park

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In her third video for Slow Ways, Vi Assal walks Northwich to Budford Mere and observes how private or disused land has been turned into public space for all to enjoy

Last time, we walked in the suburbs of South Manchester, discussing the disparities in terms of access to the outdoors for people living in urban areas. Today, after a short train ride, I’m taking you to Northwich in Cheshire.

In this adventure, I wanted to take a look at some examples of spaces that were transformed from exclusive and harmful environments such as landfills and private stately homes to beautiful nature reserves and community-centred country parks.

Take a look at my latest video:

@vi_intheuk

Last time, we followed a Slow Ways route in the suburbs of South Manchester, discussing the disparities in terms of access to the outdoors for people living in urban areas. Today, after a short train ride, let’s follow one from Northwich in Cheshire. In this adventure, I wanted to take a look at some examples of spaces that were transformed from exclusive and harmful environments such as landfills and private stately homes to beautiful nature reserves and community-centred country parks. 🌲🌼🌳 Do you think these transformations have worked? 👀 #river #cows #countryside #fyp #summer #lake #forest #nature #walking #slowways

♬ In The Forest (Acoustic Indie No Copyright) – Instrumental – Lesfm & Olexy

Virginie Assal

I’m Vi, a French Black queer and disabled person living in Manchester.

During the week I’m a project manager in equality and diversity in the charity sector. But on the weekend, I put on my trainers and go hiking on adventures. Well, I call it slow hiking because I spend as much time walking as I do sitting down and enjoying the plants and wildlife around, rather than rushing to the summit. I’m also a member of Black Girls Hike UK, which provides a safe space for Black women to explore the outdoors.

You can follow my adventures on TikTok and you can follow Black Girls Hike on Instagram.

Looking for routes in Manchester to explore? Take a look at Vi’s last journey from Cheadle to Cheadle Hulme.

Why not sign up to walk and review your own Slow Ways. You can find and follow us on InstagramTwitter and Facebook