Tree-mendous boost for Lancashire as 154 football pitches of woodland take root

Thanks to a fantastic effort involving communities, landowners and environmental organisations across the county, a total of 271,418 trees took root during the last planting season. Some 17 new micro-forests were created, using 22,675 trees, while 61 new orchards were created.

In the last two tree-planting seasons combined, the Partnership has planted almost half a million trees across the county.

More than 27,233 metres of new hedges were planted – the equivalent distance of Preston to Blackpool.

The achievement was made possible through the Lancashire Woodland Partnership, which brings together environmental organisations, local authorities, landowners, volunteers and communities to help create a greener, more resilient county. By combining resources, expertise and local knowledge, partners plant trees where they can deliver the greatest benefits for wildlife, people and the environment.

The partnership is made up of Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Council, the Forestry Commission, Groundwork CLM, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Ribble Rivers Trust, United Utilities, the Woodland Trust, Wyre Rivers Trust and the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

More than 1,200 volunteers also took part, helping to plant and care for trees while delivering wider health, wellbeing and community benefits.

The achievements build on the momentum of a partnership established in 2023 and contribute to the wider Lancashire Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which aims to boost biodiversity and support nature recovery across the county.

Councillor Joshua Roberts, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, has taken part in a number of Miyawaki micro-wood tree-planting sessions with schools and members of the public.

He met up with Ian Wright, community engagement officer for Lancashire County Council's Treescapes team, at Chisnall Hall former colliery site in Coppull Moor last week, to see how well a woodland that was planted 10 years ago is thriving.

He said: "Planting more than 270,000 trees in a single season is a tree-mendous achievement and shows what can be accomplished when organisations, landowners and local communities work together towards a common goal.

"These new woodlands, orchards, hedgerows and micro-woods will leave a lasting legacy for Lancashire, supporting wildlife, helping tackle climate change, improving people's wellbeing and creating greener places for future generations to enjoy."

Despite this progress, Lancashire still has one of the lowest levels of tree cover in the country, with trees covering just 10.34% of the county. The Lancashire Woodland Partnership is committed increasing tree cover while supporting a rich and varied natural environment.

Farmers, landowners and woodland managers remain at the heart of this work, supported through expert advice, funding opportunities and practical assistance from the partnership. Every tree planted in Lancashire also contributes to the wider Northern Forest, the ambitious programme stretching from Liverpool to Hull.

The partnership is now encouraging more landowners and communities to get in touch with one of the partners of the partnership to explore how they can create new woodlands, restore habitats and secure a greener, healthier and more resilient future for Lancashire.