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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

The Mersey Forest is celebrating a milestone anniversary 30 years after the first forest plan was developed for the area.

Partners and friends of the forest came together last week at the University of Chester to celebrate the occasion and reflect on how the Mersey Forest partnership has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of Merseyside and Cheshire over the last three decades. 

The Mersey Forest is the area's Community Forest, covering all of Merseyside and Cheshire, and is one of the original Community Forests created across England. There are now 15 Community Forests across the country which are all made up of a mix of community woodland, private woodland, urban trees and greenspaces, wooded habitat corridors and hedgerows.  

The Mersey Forest Partnership, which includes local authorities, national agencies, non-governmental organisations and the community, is the driving force behind the Mersey Forest, working in partnership with The Mersey Forest team in developing the Forest Plan which sets the direction for the organisation. 

The Mersey Forest is focused around local communities with projects, large and small, touching the lives of many. Some of the achievements of the forest over the last 30 years include: 

• Nearly 10 million trees planted across Merseyside and Cheshire 
• Created 600 kilometres of accessible pathways through 10,000 hectares of thriving habitat 
• 42,000 community events held 
• Brought in over £150 million of external funding 
• Developed and delivered the award-winning Natural Health Service 
• Developed the innovative Thrive Programme with Liverpool John Moores University, supporting curriculum-based use of the natural environment 
• Developed programmes that store 2 million litres of water in the Mersey Catchment above communities at risk, helping to reduce flooding.

Paul Nolan, who has worked at The Mersey Forest since 1994, and is the current Director, said: "It's been fantastic to be part of the Mersey Forest's journey over the last 30 years, working alongside so many people who share the same ambition to deliver a greener future for the communities of Merseyside and Cheshire. Although we've made massive progress, planting millions of trees in the area, that is only one element of what we do. The stories of the impact we have on peoples' lives is really what makes community forestry special. Whether it is a life saved through the Natural Health Service or the people who've benefited from our Trees for Learning project, or even the homes that don't flood because of natural flood management initiatives, connecting people with nature is central to our work. Planting a tree is a symbol of hope and I hope the forest continues to bring joy to local people, making the places we live, work and visit vibrant and sustainable communities." 

Professor Eunice Symmons, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Chester and Chair of the Mersey Forest Steering Group, said: "The strength of the Mersey Forest Partnership comes from its local authority representatives working closely with community partners and an outstanding Mersey Forest team. Together they are dedicated to transforming residents' environments and life chances." 

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, who is the host authority for the Mersey Forest, said: "Cheshire West and Chester Council is proud to be the host authority for The Mersey Forest, one of the north west's leading environmental initiatives. The scale of the work that has been achieved by the team and The Mersey Forest partnership over the last 30 years is incredible, touching people's lives and making our area a green and thriving place to live, work and visit. I can't wait to see what is achieved over the next 30 years and beyond."

The concept of Community Forests was first introduced by the Countryside Commission in 1989, envisioning forests that serve as a green space for urban populations, with recreational facilities, art spaces, wildlife habitats and economic benefits.  

Some of the key projects that the Mersey Forest has supported over the last 30 years include: 

• Helping to manage the Sefton Coast Pine Woodlands 
• The award winning Urban GreenUP programme in Liverpool 
• Bold Forest Park and the Wasteland to Woodland project in St. Helens transforming a former coal colliery into a vibrant forest and green space for residents and visitors to enjoy. 
• Finding new uses for vacant industrial land in Knowsley through woodland creation  
• Northwich Woodlands, now a major recreational area on land that was once waste 
• Greening Wirral Waters, to enable regeneration 
• Agroforestry projects, weaving trees into productive agriculture in Cheshire East 
• One of the original partners of the Northern Forest, which stretches from Liverpool to Hull and aims to establish 50 million new tree.

The Mersey Forest is in the process of developing their new Forest Plan which will guide the partnership as it aims to increase tree cover in the area to 30% and create a better future for all our communities.

For more information about The Mersey Forest, visit the Mersey Forest website. 

This year, we want to grow more Oak trees than ever and we want local schools to be involved in the great acorn hunt.

The Oaks at 80 project encourages local communities to collect acorns and other seeds from the local area to plant up and grow into tree saplings.

Oak trees have traditionally marked 80-year milestones and the trees grown by the local community will be planted in sites across the Mersey Forest in 2025 to commemorate 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

Do you have an oak tree growing on your school ground that you could gather acorns from to grow oaks for other schools to plant? Or could you take a walk to an oak tree near your school? Then you could help grow more oaks to share!

The seed gathering season traditionally starts on the autumn equinox (22 September) and lasts for about a month.

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 acorns, 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 acorns 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

A popular ice cream farm in Cheshire is set to introduce more flavours to its menu thanks to a selection of fruit and nut trees that have been planted on their farm this year as part of a wider agroforestry project.
 
Snugburys, a family run ice cream parlour based near Nantwich, operates alongside the organic grass farm business. The owners were keen to introduce more trees to the farm and worked closely with local farm advisors, ELM Associates to design a tree planting scheme that would benefit both businesses. Using funding through The Mersey Forest's Trees for Climate programme they've planted over 2,300 trees on their 45ha farm.
 
Cheryl Sadler, from Snugburys, first learnt about agroforestry from a project in the Amazon. After visiting a farm in Wem and a two-day visit to the Agroforestry show last year, she decided it was something she'd like to introduce on her family farm.

Generations of communities across Cheshire and Merseyside will benefit from the creation of new woodland across the Mersey Forest, following a bumper tree planting season over the winter.
 
Tree planting takes place between November and March every year and, this season, over 264 ha of woodland have been planted across the Mersey Forest area, that's the equivalent of 380 football pitches.
 
The Mersey Forest, the area's Community Forest, has worked with a range of partners including Forestry England, Forestry Commission, The Woodland Trust, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, local authorities, community groups and individual landowners to plant over 185,924 of trees in the area.
 
Planting sites have ranged from local schools and parks to larger agroforestry projects, where farms have incorporated trees on their land as part of a sustainable agricultural system. All trees planted are helping to grow The Mersey Forest and the wider Northern Forest, which stretches from Liverpool in the west to the East Yorkshire coast.
 
Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said:
 

"We've been growing The Mersey Forest for 30 years, creating woodlands and greenspaces that our communities will benefit from for years to come. Partnership working is the key to our success, as we've seen particularly this year. We're all working towards the same goal to increase tree cover in the area for the benefit of the local environment and the people who live, work and visit here. This is one of the busiest planting seasons we've had in recent years, and I'd like to thank all the partners, suppliers and community groups we've worked with to help us achieve this."

 
Paddy Harrop, Regional Director, Forestry England, who have created 53ha of new woodland at Hondslough and Lunt in 2024, said:
 

"I am delighted that we have created another 53ha of forests extending Delamere Forest with the creation of Hondslough Wood and 13ha at Lunt.  These new forests will deliver more timber for industry, homes for wildlife and more greenspace for people to enjoy."

 
Keith Jones, Area Director for the Forestry Commission in the North West and West Midlands, said:
 

"We work closely with The Mersey Forest and other local partners to help farmers and landowners to establish healthy woodlands. Incorporating woodland into the landscape provides many benefits for landowners and land managers, the environment and the local community, and it's great to now see an increase in woodland being created across Cheshire and Merseyside."

 
The Mersey Forest is continuing to look for areas of land across Cheshire and Merseyside that would be suitable for planting. If you are a landowner with land that could be suitable, The Mersey Forest's experienced Woodland Advisors can visit you on site and provide advice on woodland design, species selection, funding and ongoing maintenance.
 
Our Trees for Climate programme, which is funded by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs through the Nature for Climate Fund, can fund up to 100% of tree planting costs, including tree guards and associated infrastructure, such as fencing and gates. Plus, our grants cover up to 15 years of maintenance payments.
 
Find out more about our work and the support we can provide landowners:

• Woodland advice and grants for landowners

Get in touch today for advice and guidance on your planting project, email: mail@merseyforest.org.uk or call: 01925 816217.