"It is a fundamental objective of The Mersey Forest that all should be encouraged to participate in the planning, development and enjoyment of their forest and, through their commitment to it, play a part in its long term stewardship and ownership."

The Mersey Forest is the largest of 12 Community Forests in England. Covering 115,000 ha of land on Merseyside and in North Cheshire, The Mersey Forest is a partnership of nine local authorities in the area, the Countryside Agency, The Forestry Commission and a wide range of private, public and environmental organisations. The Forest is being created over many years and is bringing a more sustainable and better quality environment for us all. It is not a single area of trees, but a network of woodlands within a mosaic of different wildlife habitats and land uses. It brings nature right to the heart of the towns and cities and is creating a new landscape for us all to enjoy. The Forest is already being created on all types of land, including development, agricultural and under-used land. Already over 4,000 ha of new woodland and other habitats have been created. These are contributing to the improved image of the area and to the quality of life of those who live and work in the Forest. 2500 hectares of new woodland have been planted - this is equivalent to an area larger than the size of Delamere Forest. In total over 9 million new trees have been planted.

"Like all good ideas, The Mersey Forest is a simple concept. By creating a new, extensively wooded landscape in and around towns and cities we are providing one of the cornerstones for the future economic success of the North West - a better, more attractive and sustainable environment. Additional benefits for public recreation, nature conservation and education will make The Mersey Forest a sound investment for ourselves and future generations."
Paul Nolan, Project Director, The Mersey Forest Team.

Mersey Forest ahave produced their own Community Forests Biodiversity Action Plan and are working towards it's aims of preserving and enhancing the natural biodiversity of the forest and its associated ponds, wildflower meadows, hedgerows and orchards. The targets and progress are shown below and further details are on the website (www.merseyforest.org.uk).

Mersey Forest are key implementers of the Bluebell BAP through their work on the Bluebell Recovery Project. The Bluebells Recovery Project is a five-year project in partnership with The Mersey Forest and Landlife, a wildflower charity. The project is sponsored by The Littlewoods Organisation. Many bulbs have been planted back into established woodlands with the help of local people, community groups and schools.

Biodiversity Action Plan Targets

The Mersey Forest offers help and technical advice on a variety of environmental projects from woodland grant schemes and timber certification to school grounds development projects. The service is free of charge and is available to anyone with a project within the Mersey Forest boundary.

If you need guidance on a project/scheme or assistance with completing woodland grant scheme applications, please contact us to see how we can help.

Contact:
Paul Nolan
Mersey Forest
Risley Moss, Ordnance Division, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6QX
Phone: 01925 816217
Fax: 01925 521793
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.merseyforest.org.uk