Lancashire
Local community step into Spring with creation of new woodland in Clayton-le-Moors
Thousands of new trees were planted in Clayton-le-Moors this Spring thanks to a partnership between leading North West housing association, Onward Homes, and Lancashire County Council.
Following a £1million grant from the Forestry Commission, Lancashire County Council are working with local partners to plant over 35k trees across Lancashire this year.
The latest planting day saw employees and customers of Onward, Lancashire County Council and Kokoro Tree Contracting come together to plant 1,500 new trees in an unused green space in Clayton-le-Moors.
The new woodland, located behind Sparth Avenue, John Street and Queen Street, was created using the using an innovative method named after the Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki.
The Miyawaki method involves enhancing the soil with nutrients and planting trees close together, resulting in faster growth and carbon absorption than traditional techniques.
Native species such as Rowan, Alder, Lime Elder and Willow were selected to replicate natural woodland that can be found in East Lancashire, and will create new habitats for wildlife, support biodiversity and contribute towards mitigating climate change.
Joanne Danaher, Director of Housing and Home Ownership, said:
“Creating a more environmentally friendly future is a key part of our commitment to make The Onward Difference. We presently have around 20,000 trees in our ownership and as an organisation we value them as assets to enhance our neighbourhoods and for their contribution to mitigating climate change.”
“Onward Environmental’s team of Tree Specialists worked closely with Lancashire County Council and customers to provide a thriving space for new trees and create a more attractive, greener environment.”
“It is great to see the difference this has made at our recent planting day, with our colleagues and customers coming together to improve local spaces. Working with partners such as Lancashire County Council who share our vision for a more sustainable future enables us to make a positive impact in our communities and create places people are proud to call home.”
Councillor Shaun Turner, cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change at Lancashire County Council said:
“We are delighted to see another Miyawaki Micro-wood being planted in Lancashire. It is one of dozens that the council have been involved in creating in recent years.
“Members of the community of all ages from schoolchildren, army veterans, community groups and refugees have been giving a helping hand at planting sessions all over the county.
“These wonderful woods, due to the planting style, mature in just 30 years, compared to the 100 years or so that it will usually take. They are a truly fantastic addition, absorbing carbon and helping to make the air cleaner. The more that are planted, the better!”
Onward Environmental will be planting more new trees across the North West this year and are keen to get local communities involved. If you’d like to take part, please send an email to socialinvestment@onward.co.uk or call 0300 555 0600.
You can also learn more about the Miyawaki Micro-woods being brought to life across Lancashire by visiting news.lancashire.gov.uk.