Liverpool is one of the three pioneer cities for the Urban GreenUP project, along with Vallodolid in Spain, and Izmir in Turkey. The scheme aims to renature urban areas, to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve air quality and water management and increase the sustainability of our cities through innovative nature-based solutions. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme.
Examples of the Urban GreenUP’s planned initiatives are an introduction of green bike and pedestrian routes, the installation of parks and urban farming facilities, the usage of smart soils and bio-pollutant filters, as well as the implementation of sustainable drainage systems which will reduce the impact of floods and for irrigation purposes. It’s believed that Liverpool’s sustainable drainage system will be able to store 1500 m3 of rainwater during storms.
The best way right now for people to get involved with this scheme, is to keep on recording wildlife using the iNaturalist app, so that the experts can get a clearer picture of Liverpool’s biodiversity. A league has been set up for the Baltic Triangle, which you can look at here. This is a part of Liverpool that could lead the way for environmental changes. The Wildlife Trust will also be looking to run some events in the area, but due to the Covid-19 situation these will of course be at later dates.
As part of this project, we would like to mobilise more wildlife recording in the Baltic Triangle area. This is because it’s an area that has had little involvement so far, and is a vibrant, forward thinking part of the city with a great, green future. Whilst it’s not an area with obvious large green spaces, it’s still a brilliant place to spend a day wandering around and recording some wildlife as you go. Here are some of the neighbourhoods appealing aspects to look forward to when restrictions lift.
Coffeeshops
There is a huge array of wonderful little independent cafes around the Baltic Triangle. They’re a great place to have a relaxing read, catch up on some work, or meet friends before exploring even more. Some stand out coffee stops include Ryde, which is a cycling themed café with a great little seating area tucked in the corner, and 92 degrees. The latter has branched out further into the city centre, but it still has a great local atmosphere.
Bars
Some of the coolest and most unusual bars in Liverpool are tucked away in the Baltic Triangle. A standout is called Hobo Kiosk. This bar also acts as sit-down art museum, with local work on display. There’s an array of local beers on offer, and the bar encourages story-telling and conversation between its patrons. About 30 seconds walk from Hobo Kiosk is Chapters of Us. This venue is a café by day, but seamlessly transitions into an Aperitivo bar in the early evening. Wonderful home cooked food is available to share with friends and colleagues after work, along with local beers and gins. The Love Lane brewery is almost within a stone’s throw of Chapters of Us. There is also more conventional pubs nearby that you can catch the football at, and some classy cocktail bars.
Food
The Baltic Triangle is a brilliant area to go out for some food. The main reason is that you try cuisines from every corner of the globe, all under one roof. The Baltic Market is located next to the old Cains Brewery, and contains independent street food stalls that come and go with others throughout the year. The food ranges from Neapolitan pizza, to vegan junk food that’ll blow your mind. There’s a great bar inside and often live music. The atmosphere is always electric, the long bench seating arrangement encourages conversation with others. Beyond The Baltic Market, there’s some other great places to eat. Many places such as The Baltic Social are great for lunch, dinner, or just drinks with friends. They have a wide-ranging menu that’s sure to please everyone. The area is also home to Liverpool’s first Carbon Free Dining restaurant, Tusk Baltic. Tusk was also the first restaurant in Liverpool to get rid of plastic straws.
Art
One of the Baltic Triangle’s most popular tourist attractions is the artwork of Paul Curtis. In fact, his piece on Jamaica Street, Liverpool’s Liver Birds, is the most instagrammed piece of artwork in Liverpool. That piece is joined by other excellent examples of street art on the same street. For Liverpool fans, the Jurgen Klopp mural can be found across the road from 92 Degrees café, which was painted by Akse. New mural’s keep popping up all around the area, so it almost feels like the area is developing around you day by day.
As you can see, this is a wonderful place to come and spend an afternoon or evening, and do a bit of wildlife recording along the way. It’s an area that the Council would like to link more closely with the town centre, and is sure to benefit from environmental schemes such as the Urban GreenUP in the near future.