The Government have given its support to the creation of a 'Northern Forest' between Liverpool and Hull, which if completed would see the planting of 50 million trees in England.
Trees would be planted over the next 25 years across a 25 mile stretch along the M62 corridor. It is estimated that the plan would cost £500 million, and the Government have promised £5.7 million of public funds to the project with the rest to be raised through charitable donations. The Government hope their initial funding pledge will help to encourage private landowners to get behind the project.
The Northern Forest will connect five community Forests across Northern England including, the Mersey Forest, Manchester City of Trees, South Yorkshire Community Forest, the Leeds White Rose Forest and the HEYwoods Project, with woodland created in and around major urban centres such as Chester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Manchester.
The creation of the forest would boost habitat for wildlife, help to protect species and increase access to woodland for millions of people living in the area.
It is estimated the project would generate £2 billion for the local economy in tourism growth and visits to the area, with a boost to rural businesses and the creation of jobs.
Planting is expected to commence in March at the Woodland Trust's 680-hectare Northern Forest flagship site at Smithills, Bolton.
Austin Brady, director of conservation at the Woodland Trust, commented: ''The Northern Forest will accelerate the creation of new woodland and support sustainable management of existing woods right across the area. Planting many more trees, woods and forests will deliver a better environment for all - locking up carbon on a large scale, boosting wildlife habitat and greening our towns and cities. The Woodland Trust and Community Forests will use new and innovative mechanisms to engage communities and a wide range of partners in delivering the forest.''
