The Integrated Countryside and Environment Plan (ICEP) is a partnership initiative that aims to bring together the activity of a wide range of partner organisations with rural and wider environmental interests.
ICEP aims to make the most of the resources available in Merseyside by taking a co-ordinated and holistic approach to environmental regeneration. There has been a very positive response to this integrated approach, with widespread support and commitment to the concept. Merseyside is not immediately recognised as a rural area, with many funding streams directed towards urban deprivation and the need for inner city regeneration.
However, 28% of Merseyside is made up of agricultural land, and businesses & communities here are also susceptible to similar pressures, especially so in the current agricultural climate. ICEP acts as a focus for rural opportunities, providing a vision for rural regeneration that benefits all who live and work in Merseyside. The Mersey Forest is working to deliver ICEP through Community Forestry.
update: Grants are available for the creation, improvement and management of woodlands and other habitats. In addition, we have funds to support businesses that are helping to develop the use of local timber products and making The Forest happen.
related url: http://www.icep.org.ukcontact: Clare Olver