Plans to create a Northern Forest

The Government has backed plans to create a "Northern Forest" with a £5.7million investment.

Planting is set to take place over the next 25 years, incorporatnig a 120 mile stretch of the M26 between Liverpool and Hull - creating a refuge for wildlife including birds, bats and protected species such as the red squirrel.

The Woodland Trust, working in partnership with the Community Forest Trust and five Community Forests, aim to plant a total of 25,000 hectares (26,000 acreas) of woodland. The total project is set to cost £500million over the 25 years.

This project will form an integral part of the Government's 25 year environment plan. Planting is set to begin this March (2018) at the Woodland Trust's 680 hectar site at Smithills, Bolton with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It's estimated in addition to environmental benefits this project will generate £2billion for the economy in growth in tourism, rural business boosts, job generation, increasing property values and by reducing the economic impact of flooding.

You can find out more about The Woodland Trust via their website.