The Mersey Forest Partnership is working with people right now on a special project called the Community Contracting Initiative. It aims to:
1) Support existing community groups who are already helping to manage woodlands (by providing officer support, training and grants for woodland improvement).
2) Identify woodlands that would benefit from the involvement of local people.
3) Encourage the setting up of a number of new community groups to help manage woodlands in the Forest.
4) To manage woodlands sustainably with community, wildlife and economic benefits.
The benefits of people caring for their local woodland can be huge:
5) Improvement in the local scenery and the local image of the area
6) Improvements for wildlife
7) Working together and bringing back a sense of 'community' spirit
8) Potential for production of timber products e.g. charcoal for local people
9) Increasing local people's skills in woodland activities, leading to employment
10) Possible increase in house prices
11) Reduction in vandalism and fly tipping in the woodlands.
To read or download The Mersey Forest's community group guide, click here (opens in new window).
update: There are many woodlands in the Forest that need help from local people.
1) Find out about groups near you and get involved.
2) Let us know of woodlands near you which need improving.
3) Find out what grants are available to improve woodlands near you.
contact: Jo Sayers