News

A new natural flood management (NFM) project in the Whitewell Brook Catchment, near Rossendale has secured a share of the Environment Agency's £25m National NFM Programmes funding, providing vital investment to help alleviate flood risk in the area.

The project, led by Mersey Forest through Community Forest Trust, will receive over £198,000 through the national programme and will be used to help two communities at risk of flooding within the Whitewell Brook catchment – Forest Holme and Lumb, plus Whitewell and Piercy. In total an estimated 77 residential properties and 42 business properties in the area, that are at risk of flooding, will benefit.

The project aims to reduce local flood risk to these communities using NFM techniques which protect, restore and mimic natural river functions, slowing peak flows and temporarily storing flood water in the landscape, resulting in reduced flooding in communities at risk downstream.

The project will focus on introducing NFM interventions on three farms on both sides of the Whitewell Brook valley and aims to deliver:

• 10 clay core earth bunds to temporarily store water behind, slowly releasing stored water over a 24-48hr period following heavy rainfall. These have the added benefit of increasing the extent of wet grassland/wetland habitat which should be beneficial to many species including wading birds.
• 23 living leaky barriers in watercourses to interrupt and slow peak flows and temporarily store water. These use locally sourced timber wood to create the equivalent of a natural dam to interrupt and slow peak flows and temporarily store water.  The addition of woody material to watercourses also provides excellent habitat for fish and invertebrates and increases diversity of flows which is beneficial to many species.
• One storage pond and seven scrapes (shallow depressions excavated to collect and hold water), providing temporary storage and improved aquatic/wetland habitat.
• Enhancement to wet grassland in four different areas by encouraging water out of ditches and onto existing low-lying wet areas where it can infiltrate into the soil.

The Mersey Forest will be working with Professor Neil Macdonald from the University of Liverpool's Geography Department to monitor the success of the NFM interventions. Monitoring equipment has already been installed earlier this year to collect baseline data prior to the NFM interventions being constructed. This will allow a comparison of the catchment's hydrological response to rainfall before and after NFM is installed, allowing us to better quantify the effect the interventions have had on the catchment.

Rob Dyer, Natural Flood Management Manager at The Mersey Forest, said: "We're extremely thankful to the three local landowners who approached The Mersey Forest with a desire to help build flood resilience for the communities at risk downstream of their land. Without them, this project would not be possible. We hope this project demonstrates what can be achieved with minimal effect to the landowner's activities and leads to further interest in NFM from other landowners in the wider Upper Irwell catchment. We're also immensely grateful to the Environment Agency's NFM Programme Team for their funding, which has been instrumental in bringing these proposals to life.

"With the increasing effects of climate change on our communities, we are committed to work alongside local landowners, residents and partners to deliver more NFM across the area to maximise flood risk mitigation by working with natural processes."

We've recently launched the Oaks at 80 project which will mark 80 years since the end of World War II with the planting of Oak trees throughout our communities in the Mersey Forest.

Oak trees have traditionally marked 80-year milestones and oak trees also embody strength, resilience and longevity - virtues that resonate deeply with the sacrifices made during World War II and the hopeful spirit of peace that followed.

This project aims to establish a commemorative programme cenred on creating a lasting legacy of Oaks planted in new woodlands and as civic trees commemorating the sacrifices of so many military and civilian people in our area.

The team are launching the project during remembrance weekend, with oak trees being handed out to the community at Calderstone Park in Liverpool on Saturday, 9th November from 11am to 4pm. Find us outside Calderstone Mansion House in the park. 

There are a range of activities taking place throughout the day, including crafts, storytelling and tours - find out more: 

• The Reader: Oaks at 80 event

Schools have also been encouraged to get involved and collect seeds this autumn to grow on to be planted in our communities to help continue to grow the Mersey Forest. These can be any tree seeds and there are lots of resources about seed gathering on the Tree Council's website.

It's a great opportunity to get out in nature, learn about the benefit of trees and play your part to commemorate the end of World War II, whilst helping to grow the Mersey Forest for future generations to enjoy.

Growing your collected seeds

To grow your seeds, the whole class can collectively plant the collected seeds and look after them through winter, before potting them in spring for us to collect and grow on.

All you'll need is:

• A couple of large planting pots or a builder's bucket
• Soil or peat free compost
• Sharp sand
• Plastic tray
• Paper or hessian bag
• Small bucket
• Wire mesh
• Plastic plant pots or large yogurt pots

See The Tree Council's guide for how to gather and plant your seeds.

• The Tree Council - Growing trees from seed

Follow up activity

The Mersey Forest plant thousands of trees each year and we would love to plant the trees that you have grown. Following The Tree Council's guide, in spring, when you check to see if your seed have germinated, rather than planting your seeds in the ground why not let us plant them for you at a site somewhere within the Mersey Forest. If you would like to be involved in this stage simply follow the stages below and get in contact. We'll then let you know details of a local drop off point to take your saplings for us to grown on for the following winters' planting season.

1. Collect and gather large yogurt pots or large plastic containers and put some small holes in the bottom. Fill these with two-part peat free compost and one-part sharp sand mix and make a hole in the middle of the soil with your finger
2. Empty your seeds from their large pot and find the ones that have roots or a shoot on them and put them in hole you've made in the soil
3. Cover the acorn lightly with soil and gentle press it down before watering thoroughly
4. Put the pots back against a cold north facing wall to germinate further, keep them well watered while they carry on growing
5. Once you have all your seeds potted on, contact us and we will let you know where you can drop them off locally for us to grow them on to be planted in the next winter season.

Treemendous trees!

Trees give us clean air to breathe, provide homes for wildlife and help tackle climate change. In our communities, trees cool our streets, reduce flooding by soaking up rainwater and make our neighbourhoods more beautiful places to live and work. By planting and caring for trees, we're making the world a healthier, greener place for everyone.

As well as collecting seeds this autumn you could also incorporate some fantastic stories about trees into your learning.

Discover the wonder of trees: Recommended books

Explore the magic of trees through these captivating books, tailored to inspire pupils of all ages.

Primary age recommended:

• The Lorax by Dr. Seuss – This classic tale highlights the importance of trees, showing the devastating effects of a world without them. It encourages us to care enough to make a positive change for the planet.
• The Oak Tree by Julia Donaldson – Follow the life of an oak tree, from a tiny seed to its final moments, as it witnesses the world change around it. A beautiful story about the importance of trees in our environment.
• The Promise by Nicola Davies – This powerful story of a young girl and a bag of stolen acorns shows how even small actions, like planting a tree, can bring hope and transform communities for generations to come.

Secondary school in-depth reading:

• The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono – This short story illustrates how one person's daily dedication to planting trees can transform both their life and the world around them.
• The Wild Trees by Richard Preston – Discover the true story of a man who climbed one of the world's tallest trees and became captivated by trees, dedicating his life to their study.
• Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees by Roger Deakin – A global journey to understand humanity's deep connection with trees, exploring the natural and spiritual significance they hold.

Prompting thought:

• Belonging by Jeannie Baker – Through stunning illustrations, this wordless picture book shows how trees can transform a neighbourhood and brighten our world with the changing seasons.

Encourage your students to delve into these stories and discover the vital role trees play in our lives, sparking curiosity, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for nature!

Further reading incorporating trees:

• Tree by Britta Teckentrup
• The Magic and Mystery of Trees – RHS
• Meetings with Remarkable Trees
• The Night Life of Trees - Tara Books
• The Hidden Life of Trees – Peter Wohlleben
• The Tree: meaning and myth – Frances Carey
• Magic Faraway Tree collection - Enid Blyton
• 13 Storey Treehouse books
• How to be more Tree - Annie Davidson
• Leaf by Niggle – Prof JRR Tolkien

National Trust Press Release

• Plans to create a new green haven for people and nature in Sefton have received a boost as the National Trust purchase 78 hectares of land near Lunt village.
• The National Trust and its partners will create new woodland and wetland habitats, preserving and protecting the land for nature and the local community.
• Approximately 91,000 trees will be planted between January and March 2025.
• The new woodland areas will provide local communities with opportunities to connect with nature close to home, improving access to green space across the site.
• The project will be delivered in partnership with organisations including the Environment Agency, Forestry England, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Sefton Council and has been made possible with the support of The Mersey Forest, who are helping to fund the purchase of the site through their "Trees For Climate" programme, part of Defra's Nature for Climate fund. 

Plans to create new woodlands and more diverse, nature-rich, habitats for nature like wetlands and species rich grassland in Sefton received a boost with the news the National Trust have purchased 78 hectares of disused farmland from Sefton Council. 
 
Lunt's name derives from an old Norse term meaning "grove" or "copse", likely referring to an ancient forest that was in the area when the village was first settled. The project will build on recent work from partners to help nature flourish once more in the area.  
 
Approximately 91,000 trees will be planted to create new areas of forest that will connect existing pockets of woodland and wetlands. This new green haven will increase access to green spaces for local people and provide habitats for wildlife from birds to insects, to native plants and even perhaps red squirrels. 
 
The project will be partly funded through The Mersey Forest's Trees for Climate programme. Trees are one of our most powerful tools in mitigating climate change. As new woodland develops and matures it locks up carbon in soils and timber, as well as intercepting rainfall which can help to reduce flood risk and reduce water pollution. 
 
Justin Matthews, Area Ranger for the National Trust, said, "Whilst the landscape around Lunt looks quite green, much of it is private farmland and not currently accessible. Securing this land gives us a brilliant opportunity to create more diverse habitat alongside our partners, enabling nature to flourish in the area. We know that people feel much more connected to nature when they can get out into it close to home, and that connectedness makes a huge difference to health and wellbeing."
 
Sophie Bray, Trees and Woodlands Manager at The Mersey Forest, said, "The Mersey Forest is pleased to be supporting the project at Lunt, providing funding through our Trees for Climate programme to help create woodlands and diverse habitats that will benefit both people and nature. Lunt has been a key strategic site identified in our Forest Plan. Through our successful partnership with National Trust, Sefton Council, Forestry Commission, Forestry England, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency we've reached this key milestone in the project and are excited to be one step closer to establishing a new woodland in this area." 
 
Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said, "I am delighted to see the sale of land from Sefton Council to the National Trust complete. The report presented to cabinet demonstrated how the sale would positively impact the area's biodiversity and increase the area's ability to capture carbon from new woodland planting and wetland creation. And equally, it will benefit local people in Sefton who will gain a new site to enjoy and spend time in nature." 
 
John Deakin, the National Trust head of Trees and Woodland, said, "We are one of Europe's least wooded nations, yet these spaces are vital in our response to the biodiversity and climate crises. As the National Trust, we're keen to play our part by supporting woodland creation projects near places where people live, helping biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation but also providing opportunities for people to access nature close to home" 
 
The planting is due to take place between January and March 2025. The National Trust is hoping to invite members of the public to join them on a community planting day in spring 2025, giving locals the opportunity to get close to nature. Details are still to be confirmed, but information will be available online when available. 
 
To find out more, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/liverpool-lancashire/formby/whats-happening-at-lunt.

Fungi don't possess chlorophyll so unlike green plants they can't produce their own food. Instead they secrete enzymes which liquify their food source and in the process cause rot and decay. In woodlands they feed mainly on leaves and wood but that is not all. And some of what is going on is really unpleasant!

 

 

It's not easy to find but occasionally you can come across a small orange club fungus with a pitted surface up to 5cm high (above). If you were to carefully dig down under the fungus you would find it is attached to the pupa or larva of a butterfly or moth.

 

The insect has been attacked by the fungus which mummifies it, keeping it alive long enough to feed on its body. Once the fungus has built up sufficient energy it bursts out of the insect's body to produce the club which will generate more spores. The Scarlet Caterpillar Fungus is like something out of science fiction except it's for real and living somewhere near you!

 

 

Dead wood and twigs are usually good hunting grounds for fungi. Some of these are jelly like with lots of folds and contortions bursting out of the wood. A bright yellow one is the Yellow Brain Fungus and a darker black species is Black Witches Butter (both above).

 

Sometimes people report strange pale green-blue glowing lights in the woods. A cold, supernatural fire - thought to be ghosts or faeries, and often called 'foxfire'. In reality it's down to a phenomenon where some fungi glow in the dark.

 

The most frequent reports of glowing wood relate to honey fungus. It seems that the fungal light results when a chemical rich in phosphorus combines with oxygen in the presence of an enzyme. 

 

The kingdom of the fungi contains all sorts of fascinating things. Take a wander through your local woodland and check them out - if you dare... 

 

Liverpool has scored a unique treble at a major international climate change awards ceremony.

Liverpool City Council's Urban GreenUP project, which was recently shortlisted for a world Green City Award, won big at the CIRIA 2024 Big Biodiversity Awards.
Held in London, the city's innovative nature-based solution programme secured awards in the following categories:

• CIRIA Innovation Award
• CIRIA Habitat Creation Project of the Year Award
• CIRIA Biodiversity Overall Winner

The EU-funded programme, which has introduced urban raingardens, green walls and pollinators posts around the city centre as well as a number of floating islands in the city's docks and parks, was also Highly Commended in the 'Living Green for Climate Change' category at the World Green City Awards 2024 held in Utrecht.

Urban GreenUP, which involves a collaboration between the Council, the Mersey Forest and the University of Liverpool, has set a number of goals to mitigate climate change impact on Liverpool, such as enhancing air quality, reducing flooding risks, improving water management, and increasing urban sustainability.
 
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robison, who is Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Net Zero, said: "I'm extremely proud to say I think our city is heading in a great direction in how we tackle the impacts of climate change. I hope the rest of the country follows in our path and we can all make amazing changes together."

Dr. Juliet Staples, Senior Project Manager Urban GreenUP, Liverpool City Council said: "It has been a privilege to lead this project. The recognition we have received reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams and partners, and we are excited about the positive impact Urban GreenUP will continue to have on our city."

Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, added, "We're thrilled that the Urban GreenUP project continues to be recognised as innovative both nationally and internationally. Using nature-based solutions to regenerate urban areas is vital for creating thriving communities, supporting our local economy, and helping us adapt to our changing climate.

"This was very much a partnership project, and we're thankful to Liverpool City Council for showing leadership, as well as to the University of Liverpool and the range of contractors involved. We look forward to continuing the Mersey Forest Plan in Liverpool, with new projects already planned for this year."

For more information go to:

• Urban GreenUP - Liverpool Re-naturing Urban Plan with NBS