About us
The Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust (MGET) is an independent Charitable Trust set up in 2010 to promote the conservation, protection, and improvement of the environment across a 1600 hectare area of the Upper Mersey Estuary running all the way from the Silver Jubilee Bridge, to the new Mersey Gateway Bridge and up-river, as far as Warrington.
MGET offers a new approach to the Upper Mersey Estuary, with innovative ecological management for people and wildlife to enjoy this special landscape for generations to come. Working with landowners and stakeholders, MGET is dedicated to monitoring and improving the estuarine environment, bringing long-lasting positive change to the area.
Find out more about our Area of Interest
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Our vision
The Trust’s vision is to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Upper Mersey Estuary and related areas.
Our aims are to:
- be the Upper Mersey Estuary’s most active and influential wildlife champion,
- ensure the Mersey Gateway Project is a visionary example of environmental management for future major construction projects,
- improve the natural environment around the bridge and through the Upper Mersey Estuary on both land and water,
- increase the bird and wildlife population of the Upper Mersey Estuary over the next 30 years, and
- secure additional funding for environmental initiatives in the area over the next 30 years.
Our work
Our work is mainly based around the Upper Mersey Estuary – a tidal environment which has a rich industrial legacy, but also wonderful habitats that benefit from our protection and conservation. We work with our partners all around the North West to bring benefits for wildlife and people to the estuary.
Our nature conservation work involves saltmarsh restoration and habitat management e.g. for birds, invertebrates, reptiles and plants. The Upper Mersey Estuary includes a variety of important habitats, with lots of potential for improvement for biodiversity.
Being based in a highly populated area, people are a very important element of our work. We want communities to have access to wildlife and information about their local green spaces. We work to educate and engage people in our nature conservation work wherever possible.
Our Research Board helps us to identify research areas and interests across the area, connecting stakeholders such as universities and the private sectors to promote environmental research. Our research efforts range from school projects to undergraduate and postgraduate placements, and dissertations to PhD projects.
We are committed to monitoring the environment around the Upper Mersey Estuary. We have a continuous data set for a variety of environmental aspects which helps us to understand changes within the estuary and beyond.
FAQs
- What is the remit of the MGET?
The Trust’s area stretches from the Silver Jubilee Bridge upstream until the tidal reach of the river Mersey at Howley Weir. These 1600 ha make up our ‘core’ area, but we also work on areas that are related to the dynamics of the estuary through, for example, corridors, migration routes, or habitats.
- When and why was the Trust formed?
The Trust was set up in 2010 with the aim to promote the conservation, protection, and improvement of the environment across a 1600 hectare area of the Upper Mersey Estuary. Since the completion of the Mersey Gateway in 2017, the Trust is an active player in the estuary, engaging with stakeholder, implementing research and ensuring that the area becomes a better place for people and wildlife.
- Who is the Trust?
The Trust is governed by a Board of Directors. The Directors have a range of expertise and are all familiar with the local area. On the ground, the Trust has several members of staff who are coordinating the day to day running of the Trust and are working on the project management and delivery. See their profiles here: [link]
- Does the Trust own any land?
No, the MGET does not own any land. We are working closely with our stakeholders to deliver projects.
- How can I get in touch?
To get in touch, you can send us an email to info@mget.org.uk or follow us on social media @mgenvtrust for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.