Over 91k trees will be planted on farmland in Merseyside next year 

The new woodland and wetland habitats will be created just outside of Lunt village after the National Trust secured the purchase of 78 hectares of disused farmland from Sefton Council. 

The project will be delivered in partnership with, among others, the Environment Agency, Forestry England Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Sefton Council. 

It was made possible with the support of The Mersey Forest, who has helped to fund the purchase of the site through their Trees For Climate programme, a part of Defra’s Nature for Climate fund.  

Mersey Forest is one of the North West biggest environmental regeneration initiatives, with almost 10 million trees being planted since conservation work began 30 years ago. 

One of Europe’s least wooded nations

Approximately 91,000 trees will be planted to create new areas of forest that will connect existing pockets of woodland and wetlands.  

This new green haven will increase access to green spaces for local people and provide habitats for wildlife, from birds to insects, to native plants and even perhaps red squirrels, the National Trust said. 

Justin Matthews, area ranger for the National Trust, said: “Whilst the landscape around Lunt looks quite green, much of it is private farmland and not currently accessible.  

“Securing this land gives us a brilliant opportunity to create more diverse habitat alongside our partners, enabling nature to flourish in the area.  

“We know that people feel much more connected to nature when they can get out into it close to home, and that connectedness makes a huge difference to health and wellbeing.” 

John Deakin, the National Trust head of Trees and Woodland, added: “We are one of Europe’s least wooded nations, yet these spaces are vital in our response to the biodiversity and climate crises.  

“As the National Trust, we’re keen to play our part by supporting woodland creation projects near places where people live, helping biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation but also providing opportunities for people to access nature close to home” 

The planting is due to take place between January and March 2025.  

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