21 June 2021 – Huntington Parish Council, which owns Jubilee Field, got in touch with The Mersey Forest Team in 2020 to help them explore if tree planting would be a good fit for their recreation field, which includes a children’s play area, football pitch and multi-use games area.
Village turn out to plant 800 trees at local park
The team spent time understanding how the field is used by local residents for recreation. Local councillors and the Parish Clerk, were also keen that to see how tree planting could improve the wildlife value of the area.
The team recommended a mixed broadleaf woodland, helping to provide:
- a sanctuary for wildlife
- reduced waterlogging on the field
- a buffer for noise and pollution from a nearby main road
“Working with Sophie, Ben and others from the Mersey Forest was such as hugely positive and valuable experience, bringing the whole community together for such a worthwhile environmental cause.”
Louise Gibson, Clerk at Huntington Parish
Summary of the project
The planting of mixed broadleaf woodland, as well as fruit trees, was scheduled for March 2021. The response to the call out to the local community for help was fantastic, with places filling up quickly. Sessions were organised in two-hour slots and the latest Covid guidance was followed.
Two classes from the nearby Dee Banks Primary School kicked off the planting on the first day, helping to plant a variety of native trees including crab apple, hazel, oak and birch. Many other families joined in the planting sessions, joining in after school so they could play their part in creating a woodland that they will be able to watch grow every time they visit the park.
Across the three planting days nearly 100 people turned up, and in total more than 800 trees were planted.
Volunteers at Jubilee Field mulching around the planted trees to help suppress weeds and keep them healthy. This is part of Healthy Conservation Sessions that the Mersey Forest organise through the Cheshire Natural Health Service programme.
