Landowners across the Region are being asked to get involved in helping the Mersey Forest to branch out!

40 hectares of new woodland will be planted by the Mersey Forest Partnership across the Region as part of the national ₤12m Trees for Climate planting programme and landowners who have land suitable for planting are asked to get in touch. Over the next 5 months the partnership is 1 of 10 Community Forests which will be planting the new woodland. Planting will take place in Liverpool as well as across the wider Merseyside and North Cheshire Region in urban parks and green spaces and on farmland. In 2019, both Liverpool City Council and the wider Liverpool City Region declared a climate emergency and this new planting will help contribute to local action. Trees for Climate will see over 500 hectares of new woodland planted across the country. When mature, the trees will eventually store over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of over 45,000 trans Atlantic flights and will contribute to meeting the Government's net zero by 2050 target. The project will also reduce flood risk, increase sustainable UK grown timber, provide more places for nature and biodiversity to thrive, and increase peoples' access to and enjoyment of woodland.

Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said:- "Investing in tree planting is a real investment for the future. In total our Region will benefit from new woodland totalling 12 times the size of the Royal Albert Dock! The benefits of this are huge;– wildlife benefits, the environment benefits, and we, as residents, benefit, not only from the boost to wellbeing but also from the creation of jobs in the forestry and environmental sector which is welcome news for our Region's green recovery. I would urge anyone who has land that could support tree planting to get in touch with the Mersey Forest or me and play a part in this precious initiative."

Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said:- "The Trees for Climate programme will plant more trees targeted at areas in Liverpool where they can make the greatest difference, in particular to local quality of life and levels of health and wellbeing. We've shown how trees and woodlands boost our local economy, reduce flooding, create new habitats for wildlife and increase Community spirit. The national network of Community Forests has been working for over 25 years to bring nature closer to people and local Communities and is perfectly placed to deliver real change, on the ground."

Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission, said:- "This exciting new programme will benefit local Communities all across England; helping to increase access to nature, creating much needed jobs in the environmental sector and bringing invaluable benefits to people's health and wellbeing. The ₤12.1 million boost will be a huge help both for getting trees in the ground, but also enabling each of the Community Forests to ensure they are well managed in the long term, making sure these new woods can thrive to the fullest extent."

Lord Goldsmith, Forestry Minister, said:- "Through this exciting new programme we will build back greener, as more Communities; particularly those in urban environments; will have access to nature, with real benefits for health and wellbeing. Trees are the backbone of our urban and rural environments and essential in tackling the climate emergency. This vital programme will plant trees where they are most needed to stem flooding and provide more places for nature to thrive."

Landowners should contact The Mersey Forest team;- 01925 816217 or:- Mail@MerseyForest.Org.UK or Cllr Laura Robertson Collins, Liverpool City Council's cabinet member for environment and sustainability, if they would like to get involved.

Work Coach roles now open for applications in Greater Manchester

JOBCENTRES across Greater Manchester are now recruiting for over 100 Work Coach jobs, as the DWP enters its final round of recruitment for 9,000 additional Work Coaches nationwide by the end of March 2021. Applications are open until 16 December 2020, at 23:55. This follows a successful initial phase of recruitment which saw 4,500 Work Coaches hired as part of DWP's response to the Pandemic. The Government is doubling the number of jobcentre Work Coaches available to support people to 27,000 by March 2021. Mims Davies MP, Minister for Employment said:- "Any Work Coach will tell you just how rewarding their job is. Helping someone back into work is really fulfilling and knowing the positive difference you've made to someone's life is a real boost. If you're looking for a new challenge and want to support your Community, put yourself forward for what is a crucial role at the forefront of the UK's economic recovery."

These new recruits will be vital to ensuring that people in Greater Manchester have access to expert mentoring and jobs support. More expert Work Coaches means more personal, tailored support for jobseekers who are looking to get going with a new career or to move on from a struggling sector. Along with helping people improve their CV, interview and job search skills, Work Coaches also help arrange more structured support including:-

► The ₤2 billion Kick start scheme which puts young people receiving benefits 1st in line for new, high quality, 6 month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

► The ₤238 million JETS programme targeting those out of work for 3 months with a range of help from expert providers, including specialist advice on how people can move into growing sectors.

► A mixture of work experience and training through SWAPS (Sector based Work Academy Programmes), which received a ₤17 million funding boost this summer and will help people move into new sectors.

Apply or find out how you can become a Work Coach, log onto:- JobHelp.Campaign.Gov.UK.

Feline Festivities at Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel

   

CHRISTMAS isn't just for humans! The 'Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotel' Southport, Merseyside, Hotel owner Harvey Summers is sure to make the holidays purrrfect for each and every 1 of his feline guests. 4 legged guests who stay at Longcroft over Christmas can look forward to a day packed with expert care, seasonal cheer, plentiful treats and pampering as part of its Complimentary upgrade package, designed to spread a little festive cheer this year! Awaiting every furry guest at Longcroft this Christmas morning, will be a personalised hamper of toys and treats selected individually for each cat. This will be followed by a delicious hand prepared breakfast from the Hotel's 'A La Cat' Menu and mini bar. Every 4 legged guest will have the chance to while away 'the most magical day of the year' with plenty of play time and cuddles, to a backdrop of Christmas carols and fairy lights. Because the Longcroft Southport cat Hotel is located in the garden of Harvey's home, he can take a welcome break from the kitchen chores and enjoy cuddles and play sessions with his 4 legged guests on the big day.  Longcroft is the UK's only luxury Hotel group for cats, with 24 locations in the UK. Founded in 2010, the Company has grown rapidly thanks to its revolutionary approach to cat boarding, placing animal welfare at its heart. Longcroft offers peace of mind to the most discerning cat owners when they go away, by providing a tailored, home from home experience for its feline guests whatever the season. Every Longcroft Hotel does Christmas with fun, panache and an expert touch! If you love to be social do pop over to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram where you can watch many of Longcroft's beautiful guests enjoying a spot of room service, feline pampering and festive holidays at our Hotels around the UK!  For further information about Longcroft Luxury Cat Hotels, go to:- LongCroftCatHotel.Co.UK.