Cricket site looking tree-mendous as planting efforts in full swing
Hundreds of trees are being planted at a pioneering cricket site which will provide a second home to Lancashire Cricket.
This will help enhance the environment of the site following the completion of the professional pitch and start of work on the pavilion building, which will overlook the unique two-oval design.
Eventually, the facility will host cricket of all levels, from community through to development and even first-class men’s and women’s matches.
A mixture of native and complementary tree species have been carefully chosen to adorn the site, including: Field Maple, European Mountain Ash, Silver Birch, Alder, Aspen and Sweetgum.
In total, 250 trees will be planted across the site, which will help embed the site into the surrounding green landscape.
The new trees will be complemented by new and reinforcement of existing hedges, and acres of new low-level planting, including wildflower and shrub planting for broader environmental benefit.
These will complement existing mature trees which sit at the heart of the development and have been protected throughout the planning and construction process.
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “I am astounded by the pace of development at Farington, which is coming along very well indeed.
“You can really see the site coming together and can imagine families watching their children develop from the spectator mounds or fans flocking to see cricket of the top level being played in the heart of Lancashire.”
Once it's complete, the Farington cricket facility will become Lancashire Cricket’s second home after Emirates Old Trafford, to provide a stable pathway for the next generation of cricket stars whilst promoting health and wellbeing.
The site will also serve as a North West Centre of Excellence for the women's game.
Find out more about the project at lancashire.gov.uk/cricket