Thanks to the Trees for Climate funding and support from The Mersey Forest, 11,000 native trees were planted across the 33-hectare site over the winter. 

The scheme integrates trees into the agricultural landscape, enhancing the land through strategic tree planting to benefit both the environment and farm operations. This method, known as Agroforestry or Silvopasture, is designed to improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural land.  

Benefits of Agroforestry on the environment and farming: 

• Carbon Sequestration: The newly planted trees are set to play a crucial role in the UK's efforts to reduce carbon emissions, absorbing significant amounts of carbon as they grow. 

• Wildlife Habitats: The project enhances local biodiversity by creating corridors of habitat, facilitating connectivity for woodland and open ground species. The diverse array of berry-bearing and flowering trees provides essential food sources for birds and pollinators. 

• Livestock Welfare: The trees offer shelter to livestock from harsh weather conditions throughout the year, from the cold winds of winter to the harsh sun of summer. Species like Alder improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation, increasing pasture availability and enhancing the land for grazing. 

• Flood Management: The scheme also contributes to natural flood management. The extensive root systems of the trees help retain water on the farmland, promoting better water infiltration and reducing runoff. 

Ralph Connolly, Senior Living Landscape Officer for Cheshire Wildlife Trust said: “The project has been a collaborative effort, involving a variety of volunteer groups, corporate groups and staff, all coming together to support the planting and maintenance of the new trees.” 

“We’re all excited to see the positive impacts of the Agroforestry scheme unfold over the coming years as the trees mature and the benefits to the environment and farm operations become increasingly apparent.” 

Chris Price, local farmer and owner of Wincle Grange said: “I wanted to still be able to farm the land but also provide tree cover to improve livestock welfare and improve the soil quality. There will also be wildlife and environment benefits too. Agroforestry is a great way to farm sustainably. I am looking forward to seeing the benefits for years to come” 

Paul Nolan, Director of The Mersey Forest, said: “It’s been great to work alongside Cheshire Wildlife Trust to support Chris to introduce trees on his farm using the agroforestry method. We’re seeing a growing interest in agroforestry and, thanks to funding through our Trees for Climate programme, we’re able to support farmers to introduce trees on their land in a way that works for their business, whilst boosting biodiversity and providing vital habitat for local wildlife.” 

The project at Wincle Grange has been funded through The Mersey Forest's Trees for Climate programme, part of the government-led Nature for Climate Fund which supports England's Tree Action Plan. 

All trees planted in Cheshire and Merseyside are helping to grow The Mersey Forest and the larger Northern Forest, which stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire coast. 

To find out more about the work at Wincle Grange view the film at: https://youtu.be/xH0Q1cbrpZE