59 MERSEY FOREST

Synthesis of the case study

The Mersey Forest is a growing network of woodlands and green spaces, which has been creating 'woodlands on your doorstep' for 25 years across the UK's Cheshire and Merseyside regions. Their story starts back in the early 90s, when 12 areas of England were chosen to be the focus of a long-term tree planting programmes, in order to benefit the people, wildlife and the economy. The largest of these designated Community Forest areas named Mersey Forest, covers more than 500 square miles of Merseyside and North Cheshire. Since then, through community and partnership working The Mersey Forest Partnership has planted more than 9 million trees – equivalent to five new trees for every person living within the Forest area. Praised as a "visionary concept", our 'more from trees' approach brings a whole host of environmental, health and economic benefits.