Last weekend, we saw Hob Hey Wood Friends Group planting 210 trees in Frodsham's ancient forest.

Now, Cheshire West and Chester Council is following suit through its participation in the new Trees for Climate programme, which has recently received a £12.1 million government funding package.

As part of this project, the Mersey Forest, covering Frodsham and its environs, will be one of 10 Community Forests planting over 500 hectares of trees, in a push to deliver the government's tree planting targets.

When mature, the new trees will eventually store over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of over 45,000 trans-Atlantic flights and contribute to meeting the government's net zero by 2050 target.

The Mersey Forest's 40 hectare share of this target, which equates to one and a half Chester Racecourses, will be planted within urban parks, green spaces and farmland around our area.

As well as funding the tree planting activity itself, the grant will enable each of the Community Forests to manage all aspects of the new woodland creation carefully, including community and landowner engagement.

New approaches to woodland creation and long-term management of woodland will also be developed.

Cheshire West and Chester's Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, Cllr Matt Bryan, said: "The Mersey Forest is a homegrown success story which has brought the green agenda right to the forefront in Cheshire and Merseyside. It has inspired many local residents to re-connect with nature and has created green oases within our region for everyone to enjoy.

"Tackling climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face at every level, from locally to globally and it's vital that we all do our part to protect the planet for future generations.

"The Trees for Climate programme is an ideal opportunity for us all to take practical steps to combat climate change and to further enhance our natural landscapes."

Cheshire West and Chester Council is acting as the legal accountable body for the whole programme, making it a key player in the delivery of its objectives.

Landowners should contact The Mersey Forest Team if they have land suitable for tree planting.