National Trust land deal to bring 91,000 new trees

The National Trust aims to turn 78 hectares of disused farmland into woodland

About 91,000 new trees will be planted in new woodland areas after a council agreed to sell land to the National Trust.

Sefton Council said about 193 acres (78 hectares) of disused farmland around Lunt Village, near Maghull, could now be used to create "more diverse, nature rich" habitats.

The project, partly funded by The Mersey Forest’s Trees for Climate programme, is also intended to increase flood defences and could even provide a home for red squirrels.

Trees will be planted between January and March, the council said.

'Brilliant opportunity'

National Trust area ranger Justin Matthews 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."

Mr Matthews said allowing the public to access the sites can "make a huge difference to health and wellbeing".

The council hopes the project will connect existing pockets of wetland and woodland and provide homes to a variety of wildlife.

Wooded areas help lock carbon in soils and timber, as well as intercept rainfall. This can reduce flood risk and limit water pollution.

Councillor Mhairi Doyle, 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.

"Equally, it will benefit local people in Sefton who will gain a new site to enjoy and spend time in nature."