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Two million trees for Vale Royal
What does The Mersey Forest mean to you? You may
think of trees and woodlands, and in a way you’d be
right, after all, there have been over two million trees
planted in Vale Royal alone! However, it means much,
much more than that.
Cheshire County Council and Vale Royal Borough Council are enthusiastic partners in
The Mersey Forest where projects are contributing not only to the natural environment but
also to the economic and social environments of local residents. Community woodlands
create places for people to play, places to relax, places to meet and places to learn.
These places also help the economy – attracting important investment into the area.
The success of The Mersey Forest project is down to the dedicated partnership
that works together to deliver a real change on the ground. In a recent survey, 95%
of respondents supported the work of The Mersey Forest and, critically, 60% of
people said that they had noticed a positive difference in their local environment due
to increased woodland cover. Not bad for only 12 years work, especially when you
consider that the full visual impact of the new woodlands will only be achieved after
20 years when the trees are taller and more established.
Involving local people at every stage of the process is important to The Mersey Forest.
As much as local people want new woodland areas they also want to see an
improvement in the local economy, job creation, tourism, health and education.
The Mersey Forest activities in Vale Royal all contribute to these.
This document outlines some of the many schemes already in place through the
Forest Partnership and looks to a successful future with all the partners in Vale Royal.
Barrie R. Hardern, Chairman, Cheshire County Council
The Mayor of Vale Royal, Councillor Norman Wright
The Mersey Forest in Vale Royal
Within Vale Royal, The Mersey Forest has created over 500 hectares of new
community woodland, increasing it by an impressive 28%.
The Mersey Forest advises Vale Royal landowners on environmental stewardship and
provides information on woodland planting and management.
A high level of community engagement is critical to the work of The Mersey Forest.
Several ‘Friends of’ groups, including the Friends of Anderton and Marbury, Furey
Wood, Owley Wood, Church Wood and Marshall’s Arm, operate across the
community woodlands to ensure the success of the project.
The Mersey Forest Partnership is tackling the legacy
of the Industrial Revolution and breathing new life
into previously disused places.
Land Transformation
The Northwest is one of the most Financial support for the land
beautiful parts of the British Isles. transformation came from English
However, the legacy of the Industrial Partnerships, Northwest Development
Revolution has left large areas of derelict Agency, the Countryside Agency and
land scattered across the region. The the Capital Modernisation Fund.
Mersey Forest is tackling this head on
with land regeneration projects and Nearly 1,000 hectares of open space,
partnership working to breathe new life rich in wildlife and local heritage, are
into previously disused places. now used by local residents for walking,
jogging, dog walking, cycling, horse-
Widely regarded as the ‘cradle of the riding, bird-watching and community
chemical industry’, Cheshire is no events. Northwich Community
stranger to land regeneration. The area Woodlands are an important educational
around Northwich once suffered from asset, with local schools and colleges
neglect arising from the salt industry studying the industrial, archaeological
and the subsequent landfill sites. and ecological aspects of the site past
For many years the area was entirely and present.
inaccessible – a blight on the landscape
that served no useful purpose for the Northwich Community Woodlands have
local community. already made an important contribution
to the local economy. The Anderton
Thanks to a broad partnership of Boat Lift and Marbury Country Park both
Cheshire County Council, Groundwork lie within its boundaries and, together
Macclesfield & Vale Royal, Vale Royal with the Lion Salt Works, attracts visitors
Borough Council, The Mersey Forest, from across the region and beyond.
Forestry Commission, Cheshire Wildlife
Trust, Countryside Agency, Friends Northwich Community Woodlands are
of Furey Wood, Friends of Anderton officially award-winning woodlands too!
and Marbury and British Waterways, The Woodlands won a RTPI Award
the area now known as Northwich for Land Recreation and Community
Community Woodlands has been Access in 2005, acknowledging the
transformed into an attractive, safe tremendous transformation of the once
and usable environment that benefits derelict eyesore into the attractive and
the local community, businesses and well-used community resource they
visitors alike. are today.
Exercise, relaxation, education or just to pass
some spare time; the community forests
in Vale Royal are a fantastic resource.
Health and Recreation
The Mersey Forest creates areas for what woodlands and green space can
local communities to use for many offer. From this, people may be more
different reasons. Exercise, relaxation, likely to use the woodlands in the future
education or just to pass some spare for exercise and community events –
time; the community forests in Vale encouraging a more active, healthier
Royal are a fantastic resource. lifestyle and increasing the social
opportunities for local residents.
At the Anderton Extravaganza, a
community celebration event in May The Mersey Forest is a key partner of
Investment 2004, people were introduced to some the Vale Royal Greenways initiative. This
of the many activities available to them. aspirational project aims to create a
Funding is imperative to carry out all out a 15-year regeneration framework, Organised to celebrate the opening network of Greenways across Vale Royal
of the work of The Mersey Forest. To which provides a unique opportunity of the Carey Park and Carden’s Ferry linking sites such as Delamere Forest
enable this, The Mersey Forest team to reposition Northwich as a key town footbridge, the day included guided with the towns and villages.
is dedicated to sourcing and applying within Cheshire and the North West, walks, cycle rides, boat trips, morris
for funding on behalf of the partners, based around a powerful combination dancing, art workshops, pond dipping Step into Cheshire, Festival of Walks
businesses and communities. This of a high quality market town offering and orienteering sessions. in Frodsham, and Cheshire Orchard
resource has proved invaluable in Vale quality shopping and public services Project are also helping to create healthy
Royal for many environmental projects. as well as waterside visitor, leisure and By creating and encouraging access to landscapes by providing recreational
residential developments. high quality environments, and giving events, and by giving fruit trees to
The Mersey Forest provide a catalyst, local communities a taster of different communities and schools, creating new
enabling Section 106 money secured One example of this landscape activities, events like these show exactly habitat and encouraging healthy eating.
from planning agreements for industrial improvement can be found around
development to be spent on community the Winnington pipeline. The pipeline
woodland projects. For the last six covers a 5km stretch from Eon’s site in
years The Mersey Forest has been Winnington to Brunner Mond at Lostock.
managing a £100,000 landscape fund
in partnership with Vale Royal Borough As an overland pipe, some sections
Council, Cheshire County Council and are a visible eyesore for nearby
the businesses involved in developing a communities. The Section 106 funding
steam pipeline through Northwich. has been used to plant avenues of
trees, woodlands and hedgerows
Northwich has a very definite ‘vision’ of to screen the pipe, reducing its
the future. The Northwich Vision sets visual impact.
People who will not sustain trees will soon
live in a world that will not sustain people.
Bryce Nelson
Visitor Economy
Forests are already popular destinations sub-region looks towards 2015 where
for leisure and tourism. In the Northwest the targets are to increase visitor spend
alone, over 30 million day visits are to £1.5billion and support 27,000 jobs
made to the region’s forests and in the sector. Research has shown that
woodlands every year. the Cheshire countryside experience is
synonymous nationally with high value
Many visitors to the forests are there to quality packages, and rural areas of
take advantage of the outdoor space Cheshire have great potential in future
for traditional pursuits such as walking, for tourism growth.
cycling, camping and bird-watching.
Within The Mersey Forest a diverse The Mersey Forest is not simply reliant
range of environments are on offer – on the traditional visitor to woodlands.
green spaces, wetlands, woodlands They are part of the wider Forestry
and wildflower areas – all of which Commission’s project to bring music
attract visitors from far and wide. to the forest with a series of concerts Education
across the UK. Delamere Forest has,
Vale Royal has an outstanding cluster in the past, played host to artists Reconnecting young people to their Barnton School, Northwich, knows all
of sites which attract visitors to the including Ian Brown, Sugababes and environment is a priority, especially for about the advantages of bringing the
area. Northwich Community Status Quo. those living in urban areas, with little or environment to life. As part of a Mersey
Woodlands, the Frodsham Ancient no access to the countryside. Education Forest project, with numerous partners,
Woodlands and Delamere Forest Park These innovative concerts attract a nurtures an understanding and respect the school now has a well managed
are three such areas that make new group of visitor to the forests – a for the environment and can include woodland area with paths, benches
perfect visitor destinations. massive 5,000 visitors per concert and wider issues such as climate change, and even a small orchard and pond
20,000 visitors each year! These are biodiversity and recycling. where children can go and play, explore
Cheshire and Warrington Tourist Board people who would not normally have or relax as well as using it as an
have set out their strategy for the visited in the past but may become Over 75 schools have completed outdoor classroom to learn more
region. The vision for tourism in the the visitors of the future. improvement projects with The Mersey about the environment.
Forest and have benefited greatly from
the creation of outdoor classrooms and At Delamere CE Primary School,
improved school grounds. Kelsall, the Grade II listed school has
a new nature and wildlife area in the
An evaluation of the work The Mersey grounds, giving the children somewhere
Forest carries out in schools found that quiet to play away from the traditional
the benefits were not just environmental. playground.
Of the headteachers that took part in Transforming bleak areas of tarmac into
the survey, 92% saw an improvement attractive and stimulating environments
in the behaviour of their pupils, 76% is an activity The Mersey Forest will
saw a reduction in conflicts in the continue. The benefits to the school –
playground, and 100% utilised the an improved image, less stress, fewer
space for education. playground conflicts and all round
happier children – are definitely worth it.
“We are once again delighted to be supporting local
communities to transform derelict, underused and
neglected land in the Northwest. This is part of United
Utilities’ ongoing commitment to environmental
improvement and sustainable development.”
Pat McCloskey, United Utilities
Community
A sense of community is what makes The viewing platform at Furey Wood
The Mersey Forest so much more than gives visitors stunning views over the
just trees. When communities take town, the Weaver and across to the
ownership of their environment and Pennines. The platform was made
make it a healthier and more attractive possible thanks to the work of the
place to live, it is more likely to be cared Friends of Furey Wood and funding
for and sustained in the long term. secured by Action Weaver Valley and
Vale Royal Borough Council. The viewing
The partnerships that exist with the platform is now a local landmark,
numerous ‘Friends of’ groups are enabling people, including those with
invaluable to the community woodlands. pushchairs and wheelchairs, to have
The Friends of Anderton and Marbury, an elevated vantage point to look down
Furey Wood, Owley Wood, Church over Northwich and out towards Jodrell
Wood and Marshalls Arm, operate Bank across the Cheshire Plain.
across the community woodlands to
ensure the success of the project. The So, as much as the community
active stewardship of these groups helps the woods, the woods help the
creates a sense of ownership through community. Furey Woods provide a
which the community woodlands thrive. focus for the community, a meeting
place and a positive project for everyone
Furey Wood is part of the Northwich to get involved in.
Community Woodlands, managed
by Vale Royal Borough Council and Involving people is crucial to the long-
the Friends of Furey Wood. The term success of The Mersey Forest – we
Friends group have been involved with are trying to create a Forest that will be
developments from the start of the appreciated and valued. This can only “It has helped us by letting
project. Furey Wood is effectively their be done by listening to and working with us share experiences with
wood – it is the place where they to local people. Only through the combined
come for recreation, to relax and where efforts of local schools, volunteers,
other woodland friends
they hold many community events. It is community groups, users of the Forest groups and given us the
this community interest and stewardship and the Forest Partnership itself, will the
that has made Furey Wood an area alive potential public benefit of the Forest be
motivation to think bigger!”
with activity. fully recognised. Friends of Anderton and Marbury
Green Infrastructure
Green Infrastructure is the region’s the vibrancy and local distinctiveness an important role. The area has a legacy Biological Interest, Ancient Semi Natural
natural life support system. It is the already present. of the chemicals industry and is the Woodland and the Mersey Estuary
environment within and between our focus of a busy and complex transport RAMSAR site.
cities, towns and villages – the network Green Infrastructure can contribute to network – road, rail, river and canal
of open spaces, gardens, waterways, the quality of life of an area and The routes all converge nearby. The area The importance of our natural
woodlands, green corridors, street Mersey Forest is a key driver behind is also a key gateway for surrounding environment should not be
trees and open countryside that the concept. The environment created towns and villages such as Frodsham, underestimated and, through the
brings many social, economic and should be multi-functional space used Helsby and Halton. Green Infrastructure principles of Green Infrastructure, The
environmental benefits to local people for leisure, wildlife, education and has been successfully integrated, with a Mersey Forest, aims to ensure a fully
and communities. healthy lifestyles. It will help to create a comprehensive network of sites with a networked system of valuable green
positive sense of place and encourage high biodiversity value, including Sites of space for Vale Royal.
In many places, including areas of Vale inward investment. This, in turn, can
Royal, previous unchecked industrial attract people to live and stay in an
and social development has blighted attractive, economically stable and Green Infrastructure is the region’s natural life
the local environment with dereliction ultimately, sustainable community.
and neglect. The aim is to improve and
support system; the network of open spaces,
integrate potential and existing natural The Mouth of the Weaver is one such gardens, waterways, woodlands, green
attributes into the regions to add to initiative where Green Infrastructure plays
corridors, street trees and open countryside.
New wildlife habitats in Vale Royal are contributing to
biodiversity, allowing native flora and fauna to thrive.
Biodiversity
Environmentally, community forests are Borough Council officers, manages the
a breath of fresh air, they help to boost reserve. The site has a rich variety of
biodiversity, combat flooding, alleviate plant and animal life in three distinct areas
the effects of climate change and create – woodlands, grasslands and wetlands.
healthy, sustainable landscapes.
In the woodland at Marshall’s Arm oak,
The creation of The Mersey Forest in ash, alder, and beech can be found
and around Vale Royal is replacing along with holly, hawthorn, willow Partnerships
dereliction and neglect with a diverse and bluebells. It’s not just vegetation
mosaic of well managed woodlands, though – the woodlands are home to It is only through the partnership working that so much has been achieved.
parks, green corridors, ponds and many species of birds including jays, Below is the range of partners involved in delivering The Mersey Forest in Cheshire:
wildlife habitats. These wildlife habitats blackcaps and wrens as well as holly
contribute to biodiversity, allowing native blue and speckled wood butterflies. Special thanks to all the schools and landowners who have been involved.
flora and fauna to thrive.
The wetlands are also teeming with Vale Royal Borough Council Marshalls Arm Local Nature Reserve
Marshall’s Arm was declared as a life. The rare Hairy Dragonfly, snails and Cheshire County Council Management Group
Local Nature Reserve in 1998 and water beetles live amongst the reed Countryside Agency Cheshire and Warrington Tourist Board
awarded a coveted Green Flag in 2005. beds and many birds have made the Frodsham Forward
Forestry Commission
A local management group, made up area their home, including reed buntings
North West Development Agency Northwich Vision
of interested residents and Vale Royal and sedge warblers.
WREN Brunner Mond
Biffa Eon
Chemicals Northwest BTCV
Littlewoods United Utilities
Ineos British Waterways
Cheshire Landscape Trust Tree Council
Cheshire Wildlife Trust FWAG
Groundwork Macclesfield Cheshire Orchard Project
and Vale Royal Highways Agency
Action Weaver Valley Environment Agency
Friends of Furey Wood English Nature
Friends of Anderton and Marbury Woodland Trust
Friends of Church Wood Landlife
Friends of Owley Wood BAP groups
The Mersey Forest, which covers an area of over 400 square miles,
is the leading environmental regeneration project in the North West
and the largest of the 12 Community Forests in the United Kingdom.
The organisation works in partnership with The Countryside Agency,
the Forestry Commission and nine local authorities – Cheshire,
Liverpool, Ellesmere Port and Neston, Halton, Knowsley, St Helens,
Sefton, Vale Royal and Warrington. The Mersey Forest is the key
driver for investment into and for the development of a green
infrastructure for the North West. The Mersey Forest partnership is
reclaiming over 8000 hectares of land, home to 1.6million people,
over a 30-year period bringing revolutionary economic, social and
environmental benefit to the region.
The Mersey Forest Offices
Risley Moss, Ordnance Avenue
Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6QX
Tel: 01925 816 217
Fax: 01925 821 793
Email: mail@merseyforest.org.uk
www.merseyforest.org,uk
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