National Trust acquires land for new woodland near Lunt Village in Sefton

Exciting plans for Sefton’s landscape are underway as the National Trust acquires 78 hectares of disused farmland from Sefton Council in Lunt, with plans to create vibrant woodlands and diverse natural habitats.

Lunt Woodland will be a haven for local wildlife and a beautiful new destination for residents to enjoy.

Lunt’s name derives from an old Norse term meaning “grove” or “copse”, likely referring to an ancient forest that was in the area when the village was first settled. The project will build on recent work from partners to help nature flourish once more in the area.

Approximately 91,000 trees will be planted 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.

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.”

Sophie Bray, Trees and Woodlands Manager at The Mersey Forest, said:

“The Mersey Forest is pleased to be supporting the project at Lunt, providing funding through our Trees for Climate programme to help create woodlands and diverse habitats that will benefit both people and nature. Lunt has been a key strategic site identified in our Forest Plan. Through our successful partnership with National Trust, Sefton Council, Forestry Commission, Forestry England, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency we’ve reached this key milestone in the project and are excited to be one step closer to establishing a new woodland in this area.”

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

“I am delighted to see the sale of land from Sefton Council to the National Trust complete. 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.”

John Deakin, the National Trust head of Trees and Woodland, said:

“We are one of Europe’s least wooded nations, yet these spaces are vital in our response to the biodiversity and climate crises. As the National Trust, we’re keen to play our part by supporting woodland creation projects near places where people live, helping biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation but also providing opportunities for people to access nature close to home”

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, but information will be available online when available.