The Mersey Forest at 30

Celebrating 30 years of The Mersey Forest

The Mersey Forest is thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone – 30 years since the first Forest Plan was created to guide the transformation of Merseyside and Cheshire into a flourishing community forest. Since 1994, The Mersey Forest Partnership has been at the heart of creating green spaces that benefit both people and the environment. What began as a visionary project, championed by local authorities and communities, has now planted nearly 10 million trees, developed hundreds of kilometers of accessible pathways, and created vital natural spaces that connect people to nature and continue to grow and evolve.

On 9 October 2024, we held a celebration at the University of Chester, bringing together partners, friends, and supporters to commemorate this 30-year journey. Hosted by Professor Eunice Simmons, the event featured reflections and inspiring speeches by key figures, including Professor John Handley, Councillor Louise Gittins, and Paul Nolan. Together, they shared stories of resilience, partnership, and ambition that have driven the Forest's success.

• Read the full speeches

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.

Over the years, the Mersey Forest has supported projects like managing the Sefton Coast Pine Woodlands, leading Liverpool's Urban GreenUP initiative, and transforming former industrial lands across the region. From turning Northwich's wastelands into vibrant woodlands to greening the Wirral Waters, The Mersey Forest has championed the regeneration of landscapes and the return of nature to communities while building a greener future.

As we look to the future, we are developing a new Forest Plan aimed at increasing tree cover to 30% across Merseyside and Cheshire. The Forest Plan tackles some of our trickiest issues – how we improve places, how we improve lives and the wellbeing of our communities, bringing nature back to our towns and cities, and helping to adapt to climate change.

• Read: Celebrating 30 years of The Mersey Forest

We look forward to a year of celebration and engagement with our community as we commemorate this milestone and share our vision for a greener, healthier future for all.

Join us as we celebrate 30 years of growth and transformation – and discover how you can be part of the next chapter for The Mersey Forest.