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MERSEY FOREST LAUNCHES ACTION FOR URBAN
TREES THE
ground breaking Strategic Action Plan for Urban Trees in The Mersey
Forest, which will improve the future of Merseyside and North
Cheshire’s ‘Urban Forest’ was launched on the 2nd December. To celebrate the event a tree was planted in the exciting redevelopment of Bootle Town Centre by Paul Nolan from The Mersey Forest Team, members of Sefton Council and Professor Mahoney as part of the Atlantic Gateway Programme.
The Urban Tree Action Plan clearly identifies opportunities for everyone to raise the status of all trees, shrubs and woodlands in and around urban areas. Setting out a plan for specific action such as valuing, managing, protecting and planting urban trees, it encourages all interested parties, such as local authorities, to become involved in an overall holistic strategy for the area. The Planting in Bootle is an excellent example of what can be achieved.
There are about 5 million urban trees in The Mersey and the value of these trees is massive. There are many important benefits of urban trees:
Research has shown that they reduce breathing difficulties caused by airborne pollution.
Trees can increase the value of your home They provide useful shade from harmful UV light.
They create homes for important wildlife particularly birds and insects
Trees make the places where we live and work more attractive. They can reduce our stress levels
In school playgrounds, trees and shrubs can reduce accidents and improve play.
They bring communities closer together and make us feel safe. Trees prevent water run-off and help reduce flooding
They can be a source of useful fruits and timber products.
Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest said:- "Imagine how harsh life in our towns and cities would be without trees and shrubs. There are so many hidden benefits of the Urban Forest which we take for granted. Raising awareness of these will help us all realise its true value and ensure that the future generations will enjoy their urban environment with well planned and managed trees."
Sefton Council is seeking funds of £10 million to assist in the regeneration of Bootle as part of the Atlantic Gateway programme. Proposals include environmental improvements to Stanley Road, the redevelopment of Oriel Road railway station, improvements to Bootle Town Hall and the creation of a new flagship £4 million building, subject to funding, the South Sefton Investment Centre.
Professor Mahoney Vice Chair of Sefton and Liverpool’s Atlantic Gateway Steering Group said:- "Greening Bootle with these new trees is just one aspect of the work of the Atlantic Gateway programme – but it is an important aspect. The image of our urban areas can be greatly enhanced by tree planting, helping to regenerate and re-invigorate the local economy." 
Photograph
(Above) was taken outside Merton House, Stanley Road, Bootle, Sefton on Tuesday 2
December by Geoff Roberts. 
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Groups celebrate fund bonus
Photograph
(Above). The Lord Mayor pictured with members of Marybone Youth & Community Centre's music project (left to right) Frannie McDonald, Michael Banks, Gerrad Banks, Rory Mansfield, and
'Quinnie'. A six figure grant bonanza has enabled community and voluntary groups across Merseyside to achieve their dreams of improving opportunities for young people.
Representatives from 26 organisations came together this week to celebrate their share of the cash windfall, courtesy of the Local Network Fund administered by Sefton Community Foundation.
Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Cllr. Ron and Tina Gould attended a special event at The Lighthouse in Anfield to present certificates to each group marking their success in securing grants ranging from £2,400 to £7,000.
Young people from The Blackie and Marybone Youth and Community Centre who have benefited, entertained the VIP guests with specially prepared demonstrations of music and sport.
Playschemes, community associations, schools and youth projects from Aden to Woolton and Clubmore to Speke were among those to receive Local Network funding from Sefton Community Foundation, which awards grants on behalf of several funding organisations.
The Local Network Fund supports community-driven initiatives by local voluntary and community groups working with disadvantaged children and young people aged 0-19.
The funds are designed to empower communities, families and children to help themselves by enhancing opportunities available to them. Local Network Fund is made possible through funding from the Department of Education and Skills Children and Young People’s Unit.
Sefton Community Foundation Executive Director Dave Roberts commented:-
“The event was staged to celebrate the contribution of these local groups to their communities, and in particular the quality of life of their young people.
To date, the Foundation has awarded grants of £639,167 to 136 groups in the Liverpool area and we still have significant funding available for other projects. I would encourage more community groups to apply.”
Lord Mayor Cllr Gould added:- “These community groups have every reason to be proud of what they are helping our young people to achieve thanks to this valuable extra funding.
I’m delighted to see so much progress being made in restoring hope and opportunity to so many young people in so many different areas.”
Application forms, together with advice on whether proposed projects meet funding criteria, are available from the Local Network Fund . Phone 0845 113 0161. 
Photograph.... Instructor James Roach from Tiger Tracks puts martial arts student and Blackie The Blackie Community Cultural Project regular Otis Parris through his paces during the presentation evening.
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