Members of the community and local councillors gathered at Roby Field to plant trees as part of a new native woodland.
The scheme will see around 6,500 native trees planted to create a woodland mix of Oak, Cherry, Field Maple and Silver Birch trees. The trees have been jointly funded by The Mersey Forest Foundation, a charitable arm of the Mersey Forest Partnership, and Veolia, and will form part of the wider Mersey Forest.
The creation of the woodland is the latest development at Roby Field which has seen a range of improvements in recent years, including new paths, the creation of a wetland area and wildflower meadow.
The Friends of Roby Field will be supported by the Mersey Forest to involve local people in helping to look after the woodland for future generations – with activities advertised locally and on Knowsley Parks Facebook page.
The project is also supporting Liverpool John Moore’s University’s ‘Our Place in the Universe’ Project, which will engage pupils from Lord Derby’s Academy in Huyton to develop their understanding of the natural environment and environmental issues.
Trees planted at Roby Field have already been recognised as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, a living legacy in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For further information on this initiative, please visit www.queensgreencanopy.org
Knowsley Council Leader and Swanside councillor Cllr Graham Morgan, who attended the planting said: “Roby and Swanside councillors have worked hard to successfully bid for external funding to enhance this valued green space which is an environmental jewel in our community. The new woodland is yet another enhancement to Roby Field which will make it an even more attractive place for people to visit and spend time enjoying the great outdoors.”