Sefton Council Sells Land to National Trust for 91,000 New Trees

The National Trust is set to plant approximately 91,000 new trees in woodland areas following an agreement by a local council to sell them land. Sefton Council announced that roughly 193 acres (78 hectares) of previously unused farmland situated near Lunt Village, close to Maghull, will now be utilized to establish “more diverse, nature rich” habitats. This initiative, which receives partial funding from The Mersey Forest’s Trees for Climate programme, also aims to enhance flood defences and potentially offer a sanctuary for red squirrels. According to the council, tree planting is scheduled to occur between January and March. Justin Matthews, an area ranger for the National Trust, commented: “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.” Matthews further stated that providing public access to these locations can “make a huge difference to health and wellbeing”. The council expresses its hope that the project will link existing wetland and woodland areas, thereby offering habitats for diverse wildlife. Forested regions contribute to carbon sequestration in soils and timber, and they also intercept rainfall. These functions can mitigate flood risk and decrease water pollution. Councillor Mhairi Doyle, who serves as the cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, remarked: “The report presented to cabinet demonstrated how the sale would positively impact the area’s biodiversity and increase the area’s ability to capture carbon from new woodland planting and wetland creation. “Equally, it will benefit local people in Sefton who will gain a new site to enjoy and spend time in nature.”