Tip to be transformed into mature woodland

Apr 29 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

A FORMER landfill site is being turned into woodland as one of the UK’s biggest regeneration projects.

The Forestry Commission has already poured 11,000 tonnes of earth on to the Brickfields site, in St Helens, which will soon be planted with mature trees.

More than £21m is being provided by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to transform the area with leisure trails, wildflower meadows and wetland habitats.

Small hills and other features have already been created at the site between Lea Green Road and Chester Lane.

Later this month, mature trees will be planted to attractive woodland.

A central avenue of English oaks will be created, with cherry tree and pine tree areas to separate parts of the woodland. Simon Brown, works supervisor for the Forestry Commission in the North West, said: “It’s a real pleasure watching the site changing on an almost daily basis and when we’ve finished I think local people are going to be really pleased with the results.Š

“There will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s walking the dog, cycling or running.

“The project also includes a 20-year management plan so people can be confident this new woodland will be kept in good condition.”

As part of the project, residents’ groups are also busy creating designs for four entrances.

A total of 20 different designs reflecting the history and community spirit of St Helens will be incorporated into clay brick kissing gates.

Bob Baker, of Ibstock Brick Ltd, the neighbouring brickworks which will cast the designs, said: “The brick theme is being used in the site name to remind everyone of the industrial heritage of the area, including the present brick works next door.”

St Helens Council has completed a Town in the Forest study that identified the importance of regenerating brownfield sites, such as Brickfields, in helping to secure environmental improvement.

The council is hoping Brickfields will enhance the image of St Helens and help to secure direct and indirect economic benefits for the area.

It will also help the Forestry Commission create more woodland in the North West which currently stands at just 6.5%, compared with the national average of 8% and a European average of 33%.

The plans are part of Newlands, a £59m NWDA-funded land regeneration scheme, which is rejuvenating around 900 hectares of the region's brownfield land.

Newlands, which stands for New Economic Environments Through Woodlands, is a partnership involving the NWDA and the Forestry Commission.

Paul Lakin, head of development at the NWDA, said: “Sustainable development is at the heart of all of the NWDA’s activities and we are delighted to support the sensitive development of Brickfields.

“New community woodland will not only enhance the environment for local people and visitors, but it will also raise the area’s profile as a place to invest.”

FURTHER information on www.forestry.gov.uk/newlands

laurasharpe