Oldham's largest housing association, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), has been named Partnership of the Year at the Northern Housing Awards for its Greater & Greener project, a collaboration with the National Trust aimed at improving biodiversity across local communities.

The award was presented at a ceremony held on 21 May at The Kimpton Clocktower in Manchester. Judges praised the project "for demonstrating strong collaboration, practical delivery and shared commitment to improving outcomes for residents and communities in Oldham."

FCHO chief executive Mark Gifford, head of neighbourhood care David Wrigley and National Trust project officer Jenna Brooks collected the award alongside colleagues. "We're thrilled to have won this very important award which shows how housing associations can partner with national bodies to make a huge difference locally," said Mr Wrigley. "Our work together has successfully harnessed extensive shared expertise to ensure our communities are greater and greener while addressing inequality in accessing green spaces."

The Greater & Greener project has focused on creating more accessible green spaces and improving biodiversity for FCHO residents. Initiatives have included establishing natural meadows through increased no-mow zones, enhancing communal areas, and developing a formalised community land management process that allows residents and local groups to share their views and get involved.

"All this work has taken place hand in hand with extensive habitat creation through planting native trees, flowers and bulbs to ensure long-term biodiversity impact and improve the environment for our customers," added Mr Wrigley. "Many thanks to everyone who has worked so hard on this exciting and important project here at FCHO and the National Trust."

Jenna Brooks, project officer for the National Trust, said: "We want everyone to feel connected to nature. We have loved working with FCHO, helping them to make small but meaningful changes which improve people's everyday access to nature. We can't wait to see where this goes next."

The project is part of FCHO's broader commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing. By partnering with the National Trust, the housing association aims to address inequality in green space access while benefiting the local environment.

Also attending the awards ceremony on behalf of FCHO were head of asset investments strategy James Latham, sustainability manager Olivia Greenhalgh, and head of tenancy and neighbourhoods Gemma Dolby.

For residents across Oldham, the Greater & Greener project represents tangible improvements to their neighbourhoods, from wildflower meadows to more inviting communal spaces, and a chance to have a direct say in how their local environment is managed.