New 50 million tree northern forest

Plans for new 50 million tree Northern Forest

The Government has announced it will back plans for a new northern forest, comprising 50 million trees over 25 years, stretching from Liverpool across to Hull, with the M62 as its spine. The Government has pledged £5.7million in funding.

The project will embrace Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull, in addition to major towns across the north, and will deliver major environmental, social and economic benefits to the region.

Dorothy Fairburn, CLA Director North, said:” "Planting and managing woodland is one of the most important services landowners can provide to wider society. We support all well thought through and properly funded planting schemes.

“The key to success is not just grants to support establishment of new forests but recognition of the management requirement for forestry, so it is essential to engage with landowners early doors.

"For this project to succeed it will also be vital to have in place the right regulatory and planning framework that allows landowners to exploit commercial forestry and other leisure opportunities."

“We look forward to more details on the proposed northern forest, and will work with our members, the Woodland Trust and The Community Forest Trusts, to support this initiative.”

Kate Ashbrook, the Open Spaces Society general secretary, said: “This is a magnificent opportunity to provide sites and routes for informal recreation close to where people live.

“We trust that the access will be definitive and permanent, so that the public’s rights are secure for ever and people have the confidence of knowing where they can go.”