South Ribble volunteers plant 8,000 trees in new Leyland woodland

Volunteers have planted over 8,000 trees in a new Leyland woodland on land purchased by South Ribble Borough Council.

The new woodland off Croston Road, near Leyland, received 8,624 trees and was planted over a week to help improve biodiversity.

Volunteers from Paradise Park, Farington Lodges and the Leyland in Bloom groups worked together with councillors and council officers to plant species, such as oak, holly, hornbeam, birch, cherry, and hawthorn to create the base for the future woods.

Councillor Mick Titherington, Deputy Leader of South Ribble Borough Council, said: “Back in 2020, we purchased the land off Croston Road, Farrington Moss, from Homes England for future tree planting and improving biodiversity.

“It is all part of our plans to tackle the climate emergency and our commitment to 110k trees planted in the borough.

“Thanks to the hard work of volunteers from some of our fantastic local community groups, South Ribble councillors and council officers, over 8,600 trees were planted on the land to create a new woodland for South Ribble.”

In the same week, the Mayor of South Ribble ‘planted a tree for the jubilee’ in Gregson Lane playing fields in Hoghton, with more trees planted at other QEII fields in the coming weeks.

Councillor Titherington said: “Other than some works to add fencing, gates and maintain paths for access – the woodland will mainly be left for nature to take its course.

“We’ll be keeping an eye on it and monitoring its progress along the way, and we can’t wait to see the woodland flourish and become a habitat for wildlife and everything that comes with it.

“Buying the land and creating woodland on it also means it is protected from development.”

The teams have also planted in Shruggs Wood, Walton Park and Withy Grove Park and held three tree giveaway events this year, offering over 11,000 trees to residents.

Councillor Titherington said: “We’ve been doing work as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy project, which marks The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“Lots are going on across the borough, and if residents would like to know more about how we’re tackling the climate emergency, they can view our action plan on our website.”

For more information, visit the South Ribble Borough Council website.

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