The Mersey Forest is inviting everyone to have their say on its new long-term strategy, More With Trees, which sets out an ambitious vision to transform Cheshire and Merseyside by increasing tree cover, improving woodlands and encouraging people to enjoy and get involved in nature based programmes, activities and projects.
The consultation runs until Sunday 2 March 2025.
Residents are encouraged to share views by completing a short survey, adding locations to an interactive map to highlight areas for tree planting, or attending a drop-in session. Feedback gathered will play a key role in finalising the plan, which will guide the work of The Mersey Forest team and its partners for decades to come.
Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “We’re excited to launch this consultation and hear from local communities, landowners, businesses and environmental and community groups about how we can work together to create a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient future for Cheshire and Merseyside.
“This plan is not just about planting trees, it’s about enriching lives, supporting nature, and helping the area to adapt to our changing climate. Your input will be crucial in shaping the future of our woodlands and green spaces to benefit our communities for years to come.”
The More With Trees plan is driven by three fundamental goals – enriching the lives of local people, helping nature to flourish, and strengthening the region’s resilience to climate change. The benefits of trees and woodlands in relation to these are undeniable.
The plan is a multi-generational endeavour towards a long-term ambition of 30% tree cover, with the aim to reach 15% by 2050.
The benefits brought by trees
For people, trees improve mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Access to nature has been shown to reduce stress, trees improve air quality, and green spaces are places for physical activity and community engagement. Trees and woods can also support livelihoods, from agricultural benefits like improving soil quality, to providing timber for local industries, and enhancing our working environments.
For nature, trees, woods and hedges provide habitat, food, and connectivity for species. New woodlands can incorporate a mix of habitats into their design and improved management of existing woods allows species to thrive.
For climate, trees and woods sequester and store carbon, and they have a vital role to play in managing the impacts of an already changing climate, reducing flooding, and helping to cool urban areas during heatwaves.
Find out more about The Mersey Forest ‘More with Trees’ consultation.