25 Years of the Mersey Forest

The Mersey Forest covers more than 500 square miles in Merseyside and North Cheshire and was chosen as one of 12 areas of England to be the focus of a long-term tree planting programme to improve the local environment for the benefit of people, wildlife and the economy.

Seven local authorities (Cheshire West and Chester, Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St.Helens and Warrington), landowners, the Forestry Commission, Natural England, the Environment Agency, businesses, and most importantly: local communities make up The Mersey Forest partnership.

25 years ago, when the partnership began, there was a real sense of urgency about the need to tackle the scars on the area’s post-industrial landscape and use woodlands to help change perceptions of Merseyside and north Cheshire. Now, looking ahead, there is that same sense of urgency about how more trees can be planted to help tackle the climate crisis.

Over the last 25 years, through community and partnership working, The Mersey Forest has:

• planted over nine million trees – these trees have absorbed 524,574 tonnes of carbon dioxide
• achieved three times more tree planting than the England average
• created over 3,000 hectares of woodland – that is the same as 4,322 full-sized football pitches
• worked with more than half the schools in Merseyside and north Cheshire
• improved our environment – 65 per cent of people surveyed said that they have noticed that their environment has improved because of The Mersey Forest’s work.

This is just a small snap shot of some of the fantastic work that the partnership has achieved. Visit The Mersey Forest website to read more about how they are continuing to help people, improve the environment and local economy with their work.

How can you help?

The success of The Mersey Forest is down to the amazing network of volunteers, partners and supporters. You can get involved in the following ways.

• Support your local woodland, park or greenspace throughout the year
  Join one of the many friends groups that help to manage and improve woodlands and green spaces. Visit The Mersey Forest website for more information.
  
  
• Suggest where to plant trees
  Use the online tool to find out about the aspirations for your area and suggest where you think trees should be planted.
  
  
• Help plant a tree
  There are opportunities for residents to get involved with tree planting events across The Mersey Forest over the planting season, which lasts until the end of March. The best way to find out about these events is by following The Mersey Forest on Facebook or The Mersey Forest on Twitter