Sefton Council complete sale of land in Lunt to National Trust for Woodland transformation

Plans to create new and more diverse, nature-rich, habitats for nature in Sefton received a boost with the news that the Council have completed the sale of 78 hectares of disused farmland to the National Trust.

Approximately 91,000 trees will be planted by the National Trust to create new areas of forest that will connect existing pockets of woodland and wetlands. This new green haven will increase access to green spaces for local people and provide habitats for wildlife from birds to insects, to native plants and even perhaps red squirrels.

The project will be partly funded through The Mersey Forest’s Trees for Climate programme. Trees are one of our most powerful tools in mitigating climate change. As new woodland develops and matures it locks up carbon in soils and timber, as well as intercepting rainfall which can help to reduce flood risk and reduce water pollution.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said:

“I am delighted to see the sale of land from Sefton Council to the National Trust complete. This is just another example of how we are working toward a green environment for Sefton residents”

“The sale enables National Trust to improve the landscape and increase biodiversity, helping with local nature recovery and climate change.

“Sefton is fortunate to have many open greenspaces, and we are committed to exploring opportunities to provide local people with better access to nature, protect important habitats, and take action against climate change.

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:

“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. And equally, it will benefit local people in Sefton who will gain a new site to enjoy and spend time in nature.”

Justin Matthews, Area Ranger for the National Trust, said:

“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. We know that people feel much more connected to nature when they can get out into it close to home, and that connectedness makes a huge difference to health and wellbeing.”

The planting is due to take place between January and March 2025. The National Trust is hoping to invite members of the public to join them on a community planting day in spring 2025, giving locals the opportunity to get close to nature. Details are still to be confirmed.