Permaculture Manchester . . . lets put some green on the urban scene

This is a 15 minute cut of the documantary made by Manchester resident and film maker, Conor Hartnett, in 2006, examining regeneration in Manchester, with a focus on permaculture and Birley Fields. This is a 40 acre brownfield site in Hulme, central Manchester, which has remained undeveloped for the last 10 years since Hulme was regenerated. During this time, the open space has evolved its own interesting wildlife ecology. Many local residents, like it just how it is, or would like to see it used for social, or ecological activities, like permaculture. However, Manchester Metroploitan Univiersity recently unveiled plans to develop a new 5,000 people campus on the Birley Fields, which will destroy the green space, and dramatically transform the character of Hulme.

The film features interviews with Eamon Boylan, ex-director of regeneration for Manchester City Council. It also includes interviews with members of the Friends of Birley Fields campaign goup, talking about how the land could be developed as permacultue, providing ecological and social activities for local communities.

The full length version of this documentary, called Manchester Year Zero: Regeneration and Commodification (32 mins) can be found here on Blip.tv.