Warrington Newsletter, Winter 2012

The widespread media coverage of ash dieback disease has once again highlighted the huge importance that people place upon their trees and woodlands. Thankfully the disease has not been found in the wider environment in the North West as yet, and the public's desire to protect their woodlands will be an important asset in remaining vigilant (see our ash dieback Q&A for more).

The Independent Panel on Forestry has made clear its view that the nation needs more and better woodlands for the benefit of people, the economy and the environment. As we await the government's response to the Panel's recommendations in the New Year, we look forward to an action-packed winter here in The Mersey Forest – planting thousands of trees to transform neighbourhoods across the local area as part of The Big Tree Plant.

In November, we were both very pleased to welcome our distinguished guests to Risley Moss for the start of the three-day ForeStClim international conference. As we walked around the outdoor photo exhibition, we took the opportunity to show off the nature reserve, discuss the impact of climate change with the experts, and thank them in person for the work they have been doing for the ForeStClim project.

The Mersey Forest continues to provide great value for money, especially in the current economic climate. Local authorities gained £10 worth of green projects for every £1 they invested in The Mersey Forest in 2011/12.

The annual contribution of £18,609 per authority led to the delivery of £1.5 million of projects right here on our doorsteps thanks to the way The Mersey Forest Team levers in extra funds.

1437 trees planted in Warrington to increase the area's tree cover.

12 hectares of habitat managed to secure its long term future.

420m of new hedgerow planted, creating an important habitat for wildlife.

Hundreds of photos, submitted by photographers from all over the world and themed around climate change and forestry, will be exhibited in Risley Moss until February.

Children from Thelwall Infant School helped plant over 1200 bulbs as part of the transformation of the park into a natural playground.

Following a summer-long poll, Risley Moss Nature Local Reserve has narrowly pipped Delamere Forest to the post of best loved woodland in The Mersey Forest.

News in brief

Here's a quick summary of the wealth of activity taking place in Warrington as part of The Mersey Forest.

• A natural play area in Glazebury continues to take shape, using £12,000 of funding from Cory Environmental Trust via the Landfill Communities Fund.


• Tree planting at Warrington schools, including Evelyn Street Primary School, will take place this winter as part of the national Big Tree Plant campaign.


• Upper Mersey Valley Forest Park has been highlighted by the Warrington Means Business growth and regeneration programme


• Cheshire Day Nursery is teaming up with The Mersey Forest to green its grounds and identify a site for future outdoor Forest School lessons.


• Warrington's green infrastructure has been mapped as part of the work-in-progress Liverpool City Green Infrastructure Framework.


• The Cheshire Region Local Nature Partnership, led by Cheshire Wildlife Trust, also includes Warrington as an important partner.

Dozens more schools and community groups will be planting trees with The Mersey Forest this winter to brighten the local area as part of The Big Tree Plant campaign.

We asked which local woods people love and where they'd like to see more trees planted. We're feeding the public's fantastic response into the refresh of our guiding Forest Plan.

More than 120 North West based woodland professionals attended an ash dieback information meeting this week, organised by us on behalf of the Regional Forestry Forum.

Stuck for Christmas present ideas? More than 15,000 trees in local community woodlands have been dedicated as gifts as part of our Dedicate a Tree project.