Liverpool 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, especially in the current economic climate. Local authorities gained £6 worth of green projects for every £1 they invested in The Mersey Forest in 2014/15.

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.

3278 trees planted in Liverpool to increase the area's tree cover.

5ha of new woodland planted, creating an important habitat for wildlife.

3656 people engaged in The Mersey Forest's activities in Liverpool.

Over 100 delegates attending the Setting the Scene for Growth: Creating Investible Places conference in June.

Hundreds of street trees are set to be planted in Liverpool this winter to improve walking and cycling routes in the borough.

A path running through a Liverpool woodland has been refurbished as part of a project to improve accessibility.

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.