Local community join together to plant new woodland on Cheshire farm

Volunteers, including residents and a local cubs and beaver group, have been helping to plant several sections of new woodland on a farm near Malpas.

The community planting event at Lower Moss Farm near Malpas was organised by farming advisors Elm Associates and The Mersey Forest, who have supported the landowner to plant over 6,000 trees on the site.

Jane Atkinson, Farm Conservation Advisor at Elm Associates, said:

“The tree planting on this site is part of a wider conservation plan for the farm. It has been designed to link together semi ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, connecting habitats and creating wildlife corridors, as well as protect the farmland from soil erosion.

The turn out from the local community was fantastic. They all worked really hard to get the trees in the ground which will continue to benefit the local area for years to come.”

The project has been funded through The Mersey Forest’s Trees for Climate programme, part of the government-led Nature for Climate Fund which supports England’s Tree Action Plan.

The programme can fund up to 100% of tree planting costs, plus 15 years maintenance payments. The Mersey Forest’s experienced woodland advisors can provide landowners with as much support as they need throughout the planning, funding and planting process.

Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said:

“As the areas local Community Forest it is great to be involved in projects such as this, where the community are helping to create a woodland that will not only benefit the farm but also the local wildlife and surround area.

“Getting out in nature benefits us all and trees can play a major role in boosting the health and wellbeing of our neighbourhoods, as well as helping areas adapt to a changing climate.”

Biodegradable tree guards have been used at this site to protect the growing trees from damage by browsing wildlife, providing them with the best chance to establish into a thriving woodland.

All trees planted in Cheshire and Merseyside are helping to grow The Mersey Forest and the larger Northern Forest, which stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire coast.

Landowners who are interested in transforming their land with trees, whether they have a small pocket of unused land or several hectares of non-productive farmland, are encouraged to get in touch with The Mersey Forest ahead of next year’s planting season (October to March).

For more information and to complete an enquiry form visit:

http://www.Merseyforest.org.uk/planttrees

 ...or call:

01925 816217

For more information about Elm Associates visit:

http://www.elmassociates.co.uk

Pictured - Volunteers from the local cubs and beavers enjoyed getting muddy and helping to plant trees.