The environmental project was the first pilot Trees for Climate planting scheme which is part of a DEFRA funded initiative being delivered by Mersey Forest Partnership.
The trees, which were all planted off Broad Park Lane in Mobberley, Cheshire, will create new wildlife corridors, enhance biodiversity and offset 1,600 tonnes of carbon over the next quarter of a century. Planting is also being carried out at Tatton Park and Square Wood, a forest in Cheshire East.
Landowners and industry leaders across the region are being encouraged to work together to help to achieve carbon zero targets.
The Tatton Estate is the largest private landowner in east Cheshire, responsible for 5,000 acres south of the city of Manchester. The Estate, which includes a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, has been under the stewardship of the Brooks family since 1957.
A Tatton Estate spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be part of this pilot scheme to plant more trees. Our role is to protect, conserve and enhance our Estate and our wider communities so that we can pass it on to the next generation.
“As a long-term custodian of the land, environmental sustainability is core to our values.”
Rob Davis, CEO of EA Technology, said: “The value to our business of investing in ‘insetting’ carbon locally is not to be underestimated. Our staff are really proud to be working for an organisation that is actively helping to deliver local climate change mitigation and enhancing the environment they live in.
“We are also delighted to be supporting the Cheshire and Warrington LEP’s ambition to be the most sustainable, inclusive and fastest growing green economy, as well as helping our sub region’s ambitious carbon zero plan. One of the great benefits of planting locally is that we can bring staff and corporates to the site and help them foster relationships with other landowners.
“We are now working up some ambitious tree planting programmes which will create new conifer and broadleaved forests that will act as the carbon sinks of the future, benefitting the Climate Emergency effort, biodiversity, and the Cheshire and Warrington economy.”
Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “We will plant trees where they are most needed. We’ve shown how trees and woodlands reduce flooding, create new habitats for wildlife and play a key role in tackling the climate emergency.
“The funding will also create new jobs and secure existing ones within the forestry and environmental sector and help to boost local economies as part of a green recovery.”
By the end of March, The Mersey Forest Partnership is aiming to plant nearly 40 hectares of new woodland around Merseyside and North Cheshire, within urban parks and green spaces and on farmland.
PHOTO: Jonathan Farber
