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News

Natural Flood Management solutions bring range of benefits for two Mersey Forest sites

25 April 2023

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A set of leaky dams, located along the small watercourse flowing towards Moss Nook.
Natural Flood Management (NFM) aims to reduce community flood risk by protecting, restoring and mimicking the natural functions of a catchment, improving the ability of the landscape to slow and store water, reducing peak flows which cause flooding. The NFM approach fits well with community forestry, as it provides benefits for local communities by improving water quality, creating habitat, storing carbon, and increasing biodiversity alongside the reduction in flood risk.  
 
The Mersey Forest has been working with partners on two sites in St Helens - Colliers Moss North and Griffin Wood - to explore the possibilities for NFM on these sites.  

Over autumn/winter 22/23 plans and designs for a series of NFM interventions on both sites were prepared, with funding being provided by the Green Recovery Fund, a project aiming to boost nature recovery and connect more people with nature across the area.  
 
Specialist contractors were appointed, and work began at Colliers Moss in February 2023 before moving on to Griffin Wood in March 2023. 

At Colliers Moss, 21 living leaky dams were installed in two groups to slow the flow of water and temporarily store peak flows. It is hoped that these interventions will reduce the flood risk for a community at risk of flooding downstream at Moss Nook.  
 
The two groups of leaky dams have been constructed using freshly cut willow stems, which should re-establish as new trees making the dams living structures. Creating them in this way will mean that living timber should last much longer than deadwood logs and they'll provide all the other benefits trees bring to a site.  

At Griffin Wood, a previously underground land drain has been brought to the surface, diverting a 100m stretch of underground watercourse into approximately 150m of meandered open-air watercourse. As well as slowing the flow and increasing channel storage capacity by creating a longer, meandering channel (instead of a straight land drain), this also creates an entirely new section of woodland stream, creating new habitat that is much more valuable for a range of wildlife than the previous underground drain provided.  

With construction now over, we are looking forward to spring's new growth, providing some vegetation over the work area, allowing the new structures to blend into the landscape.  
 
Plans are in place to start a program of monitoring at both sites to gather evidence on how the interventions work during storm events, allowing us to learn more about them and potentially refine and improve our approach and designs in the future, both on these sites and elsewhere. We'll keep you posted on how they are working throughout the year via our social media channels.  

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Community turn out to plant new woodland at popular Wirral park

09 March 2023

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A volunteer assisting with tree planting.
In February 2023, 1,650 trees were planted at Upton Park, Moreton on the Wirral creating 0.66 hectares of new woodland area at this popular local park.

The woodland will become a carbon sink, meaning it will absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, playing its part to help the Wirral as a whole to reach its target of being net zero no later than 2041.

The design of the planting scheme includes 21% managed open ground, benefiting biodiversity in the area.

Approximately 25 volunteers and members of the community attended the community planting event, helping to get trees in the ground with advice and guidance from Mersey Forest and Wirral Council staff.

Wirral Council identified Upton Park as a site that could benefit from additional tree cover in August 2022.

The Mersey Forest's Woodland Advisor worked closely with Wirral Council's Landscape Manager to design the new woodland, incorporating multiple area of native broadleaves such as Oak, Birch, Hornbeam, Rowan and Field Maple. The new woodland sits alongside an already established woodland, helping to increase the total tree coverage at the site.

Woody shrubs have also been planted along the edge of the woodland and the paths that run through the planting, creating a more natural woodland edge effect. Planting compartments, incorporated into the design, allow for an open woodland that is accessible to all, both through and around the new woodland.

Creating a resilient, broadleaved woodland with species adapted for projected climate change and potential pests and diseases was an important factor when choosing the mix of trees for the site.  It will also act as a carbon sink, capturing approximately 198 tonnes of carbon when fully established.

Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for Wirral Council said: "We were delighted to work with Mersey Forest in delivering this fantastic scheme that expands our woodland canopy in Wirral and once again our communities played a vital role by planting many of these trees."

This planting has been funded by the Trees for Climate programme and is part of Wirral Council's Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy which sets out how the Council will plant and grow over 210,000 trees by 2030, doubling Wirral's tree canopy. 

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Celebrating women in forestry

07 March 2023

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NJP08173
Historically, women have played a key role in British forestry but remain under-represented in the sector. With an increase in tree planting across the country a diverse and skilled workforce is needed to keep up with demand. Ths is an exciting time to get into forestry with plenty of opportunities for people from all backgrounds to join the sector.

Over the past year, more people have joined the Mersey Forest team, creating an inclusive, skilled workforce, with women making up 50% of the current team.

In celebration of International Women's Day on 8 March, members of the Mersey Forest team have shared information about their roles, experiences, and why they enjoy working within forestry.
 
MacKenzie Russell – GIS Coordinator
I have been in my role with the Mersey Forest for one full year now. Within my first year, I have learned so much about forestry and the essential role of England's Community Forests. I have been able to use geospatial data to tell our story and show our impact. Every day has proven to be varied and I have been able to apply my skills in a range of ways. It is wonderful to see so many other women work in this sector doing various roles, whether they are desk-based or out in the field.

I enjoy working for an organisation that has the same morals as me and I have truly found that in the Mersey Forest. I enjoy not only working with my colleagues, but also getting to know them outside of work. I think women in forestry have so many opportunities to help grow a better future.

Favourite tree: Ponderosa Pine


 
Alice Hardwell – Woodland Advisor
I've been working as a Woodland Advisor at The Mersey Forest for nine months. I've been passionate about the outdoors and protecting our environment from a young age, leading me into a college diploma and degree in Countryside Conservation.

My practical background in woodland management, coming from running an agricultural contracting company and working with various charities/ organisations, has given me the knowledge and confidence to engage with landowners. This has led to the delivery of many woodland creation projects through The Mersey Forest.


 
Steph Anderson – Communications Lead

I've been working in my role at The Mersey Forest for over 18 months. I really enjoy being part of a team making a real difference in our local communities, tackling both environmental challenges and improving the places we live and work. Continuing to tell the story of The Mersey Forest , which continues to evolve and adapt, is a big part of my role and the variety of projects the team are involved with provides a constant source of content.

I love getting out in nature and, like lots of people, I've realised how important it is for my wellbeing. Although my role is mainly office or home based I really relish the opportunity to get out with the team on site, visiting some of our established woodlands or getting hands helping to get trees in the ground.

Favourite tree: Willow
 
 
 
Tim Oliver – Trees for Climate Coordinator
 
Tim shares his experience of working alongside women in forestry roles during his 45+ years working in the industry:

When I started in forestry there were few females in the industry; I joined following a recruitment drive replacing those people retiring after a career that often-followed national service in World War II.  The WWII Lumberjills filled the vacant places whilst their male colleagues were at war and the hard manual labour continued uninterrupted by the women of the Lumberjills.  I was always fascinated that few women appeared to remain involved in forestry as the men returned from the war.

At Newton Rigg in 1982, my OND / BTec ND course had the first female participant training to be a forester amongst 30 males.  When I moved into the Forestry Commission Education and Training Team in the 1990's it was common to have a mix of male and female course participants, many joining the industry with the intention of becoming foresters and forest managers.

Over my 45+ years working in forestry, the nature of the work has changed significantly.  The large gangs have gone as labour costs increased and mechanised alternatives developed.  Over the years the definition of forestry has also changed; forestry providing wide benefits to society and this has resulted in a much wider and more diverse range of career opportunities attracting people from alternative backgrounds to forestry and attracted a more even gender balance.  The range of roles in forestry now can range from art curators to specialist GIS mapping and from foresters to research scientists.  Just like the need to have diverse woodlands to adapt to climate change then we need a diverse range of people to manage them!  Species diversity in my book is essential (in trees and people)!

Favourite tree:  Silver birch but its such a difficult choice…  (Larch and Beech when they come into leaf in the spring.  The red / orange bark of Scots pine, the aroma from Douglas fir foliage… ) 

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Five ways to put yourself first this winter and beyond

19 January 2023

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Graphic displaying the five ways to wellbeing which are connect, be active, take notice, learn, and give.
January may often be seen as month of bad weather, dark days and the after-effects of Christmas indulgence, but here are five ways to lift your mood and improve your wellbeing with ease.

Rather than making life more of a struggle, the five ways to wellbeing are about making your life that bit brighter without having to make dramatic changes to your lifestyle.

The five ways to wellbeing are:
  • Connect – with people around you, including friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. Good relationships give you a sense of belonging and self-worth, as well as providing emotional support.

    We have lots of activities taking place to help you connect with other people in your community. Head to the Natural Health Service site to find out more.
     
  • Be active – whether it is going for run or walk, gardening, playing a game or dancing around the kitchen, being active can raise your self-esteem, help you to set goals you can achieve and cause chemical changes in your brain that can positively change your mood.

    Why not join a Health Walk? Find out more and how to sign upon the Cheshire Natural Health Service website.
    There are also lots of great walking and cycling routes to discover across the area. Visit the Mersey Forest website for inspiration.
     
  • Take notice – savour the moment and make the effort to be more aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better.

    Cheshire's Natural Health Service runs several Mindful Contact with Nature mornings to help you relax and unwind in the beautiful natural surroundings. Find out more. If you don't have time to make any of the sessions, read our Mindfulness in the woods article to get some tips on how to try mindfulness next time you are out in the forest.
     
  • Learn – try something new or rediscover an old interest, which will help boost your self-confidence, give you a sense of purpose and help you connect with others.
    You could come along to a Gardening for All session taking place at Whitby Park Community Garden every week. Find out more and how to sign up on the Cheshire Natural Health Service website.
     
  • Give – do something nice for someone else, volunteer or say thank you. Acts of giving and kindness can create a sense of reward, give you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and help you connect with others.

    Giving back to the community can be a great way of feeling a sense of fulfilment and helping your local area. The Mersey Forest supports several 'Friends of the woodlands' groups across Merseyside and North Cheshire. Take a look at our community group page to find a group in your local area.
The five ways to wellbeing have been adopted by the NHS and mental health charity Mind following evidence that the steps improve people's mental health and wellbeing.

For more information about the five ways to wellbeing and tips on how you can find your own, visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/fiveways.

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Bring the outdoors in with a nature-based book this winter

18 December 2022

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dad (570  300 px)

In the early days of the pandemic, the country saw a surge in book sales and some members of our team made recommendations of books that could help you learn more about nature.

Read our original blog  - Grow your perspective with a good read

As we head into the middle of winter, we thought we'd revisit this list, adding to it with some further recommendations of books that can help you connect to, and learn more about, nature and trees from the comfort of your living room.

They could also make the perfect Christmas gift for the nature enthusiast in your life.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  • The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono – Recommended by both Dave and Susannah in the team, this amazing book is set in the foothills of the French Alps, where the narrator meets a shepherd who has quietly taken on the task of planting one hundred acorns a day in an effort to reforest his desolate region.

 

Suggestions for children

Stories of adventures in forests, the changing seasons and how to care for the environment can inspire our youngest family members to find out more about the great outdoors and the steps that can be taken to help protect it.

 
  • The Magic and Mystery of Trees – RHS - With beautiful pictures and lots of information, this nature book takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are.
 
  • The Promise by Nicola Davies - The Promise is a much-loved children's story, about a young girl surviving in a hard city, where nothing grows and no one ever smiles. One night, she meets a woman and makes her a strange promise – one that involves her planting an acorn. Slowly colour, warmth and music return to the world, a forest grows and a community is forged. Read how the Mersey Forest worked alongside The Promise Opera team and Wild Rumpus earlier this year to plant trees and help grow the existing woodland on their site.
 
  • The Lorax by Dr Seuss – A classic cautionary tale warning against mindless progress and the danger it posed to the earth's natural beauty.
 
  • Belonging by Jeannie Baker - Observed through the window of a house in a typical urban neighbourhood, each picture shows the developments of the land being reclaimed from built up concrete to a gradual greening, shown through the artist's collage illustrations.
 
 
 
  • The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson – Go on a journey through the deep dark woods with a little mouse who meets lots of woodland creatures that warn him about the Gruffalo.
 
  • Stick Man by Julia Donaldson - Stick Man lives with his lady love and three stick children in the family tree. One day he gets snatched by a dog while he's out for a jog. Follow his adventures as he tries to make it back home.

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