Cheshire West and Chester newsletter, Autumn 2014

It's been a busy 2014 for The Mersey Forest team, and as autumn approaches, we're looking forward to an action-packed tree planting season and New Year.

In January we launched our guiding strategic document, The Mersey Forest Plan. The development of the Plan, which is recognised as a legal consideration by the government, brought together people from across our broad and diverse partnership to form a shared vision of greener, well-wooded Merseyside and North Cheshire. Its launch coincided with the Forest passing its nine-millionth tree mark - a key achievement for The Mersey Forest Partnership.

It's also been great to see the work of the partnership recognised at an international and national level this year with awards and commendations for the Forest Plan, our work in woodland management and community engagement, and with Mersey Forest team member Susannah Gill awarded European Young Forester of the Year.

We also recognise that resources for projects and programmes remains tight or is getting tighter. The Partnership continues to look for ways to broaden our funding base and continue the work to get "more from trees".

The Mersey Forest continues to provide great value for money. Local authorities gained £6 worth of green projects for every £1 they invested in The Mersey Forest in 2013/14.

The local authorities' combined annual contribution of £167,481 led to the delivery of £1.7 million of projects right here on our doorsteps thanks to the way The Mersey Forest Team levers in extra funds.

1774 trees planted in Cheshire West and Chester to increase the area's tree cover

2.7km of paths created and improved to make Cheshire West and Chester's woodlands more accessible

131 events held in Cheshire West and Chester as part of The Mersey Forest's activities

A project which aims to showcase and conserve Cheshire's rich salt-mining history has kicked off.

Pupils in Cheshire have been sowing the seeds for a greener future at Hartford Primary School.

The Mersey Forest's Wood Allotments project has been awarded a grant following a successful pilot in a Cheshire woodland.

A workshop has discussed the benefits that trees can bring with regards to water management in urban areas.

The Mersey Forest Plan has been hailed as the most innovative planning achievement in the North West of 2014 by the Royal Town Planning Institute.

The Mersey Forest is now taking applications from community groups for tree planting schemes during the 2014-15 season as part of Big Tree Plant.