Veterans support large-scale tree planting at Leighton Grange

Cheshire East Council is celebrating the end of another successful tree planting season – with 22 hectares of trees now planted since 2019.

Last week saw the completion of the council’s largest single-site tree planting scheme to date at Leighton Grange, Crewe, where planning permission has recently been secured to also install a large-scale solar farm. This means the site at Leighton Grange will help make a significant contribution to the council’s carbon neutral commitment for years to come.

The seven-hectare tree planting site (equivalent to around 10 football pitches) is the first major site delivered in partnership with The Mersey Forest, with funding from Trees for Climate – a multi-million-pound woodland creation programme and part of the government-led Nature for Climate Fund. 

Volunteers from the Green Task Force, a charity that uses nature-based therapy to help veterans struggling with their mental health into work, helped to plant the large site over five days.

Alongside projects in place to reduce carbon, planting trees across the borough is one way that Cheshire East is aiming to offset some of the emissions generated through service delivery, and the council is on target to be carbon neutral by 2025.

Working in partnership with The Mersey Forest and Cheshire Wildlife Trust, with support from Ansa Environmental Services, trees have been planted throughout this latest planting season in parks, green spaces and schools across the borough.

Councillor Quentin Abel, Cheshire East Council’s environment and climate change champion, said: “The great ability of trees to capture and store carbon means they have an effective role to play in combating the climate crisis. They help to store carbon, support nature, aid flood protection and deliver mental health benefits. 

“Working with partners enables us to take a joined-up approach to tackling the climate emergency, meaning we can draw on a wide range of existing knowledge and expertise to deliver on both our carbon neutral ambitions and the objectives set out in our environment strategy.

“Projects such as the one at Leighton Grange, with support from The Mersey Forest and the Green Task Force, means we are able to create high-quality woodland that offsets our emissions, as well as providing a range of other benefits to the natural environment, including engaging with and supporting community development.”

Councillor Ashley Farrall, Cheshire East’s Armed Forces champion, added: “Getting veterans involved in nature-based therapy has such a positive effect on their mental health. I’m delighted that the Green Task Force has been able to support this project. 

“The resolve and great work ethic of the small team of veteran volunteers meant we were able to progress at speed to complete tree planting across the large site.”

Paul Nolan, director of The Mersey Forest said: “By working in partnership with local authorities, including Cheshire East Council, we are able to identify land that will benefit from woodland creation and enhance the local environment, both for wildlife and local communities. This is one of the largest sites we’ve funded this year and we’re pleased the Green Task Force has been able to work alongside us, creating a native woodland that will benefit the area for years to come.”

Mark West, Green Task Force operations manager for the North West, said: “More than one in six serving and former service personnel who have seen combat suffer some form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Joining the Green Task Force has been lifesaving for me. 

“Being out in the open air and connecting with fellow veterans among our communities gives us a sense of purpose and belonging – which is so incredibly important for our mental health and wellbeing.

“Veterans have a common bond – a high drive, strong work ethic and a passion for excellence. Being able to roll up our sleeves and support this woodland creation scheme, in partnership with Cheshire East and The Mersey Forest, gives us the opportunity to talk about our mental health, while doing what we can to tackle climate change and support a greener future for the borough.” 

To read more about the council’s work to become carbon neutral by 2025, visit: 

cheshireeast.gov.uk/carbonneutral