What you thought about trees and your local Environment!

Further to the Westminster,Stanney and Wolverham Environmental Action Plans, The Mersey Forest asked local people some questions about themselves and their local environment.

Here's a selection of what they said.

These questions were asked before any new tree planting took place.

We know that a more attractive and greener environment makes being outdoors makes for a more pleasant experience for mind, body and soul!

New cycle and walking paths nearby can be accessed via Green Streets for walking the dog,taking the kids to the park, fishing, or just hanging out!

With 65% of people doing these activities we think it makes sense.

With 30% enjoying gardening as an outdoor activity and 80% of those questioned agreeing that street tree planting will benefit the area we think that extending the garden to the street is a good idea?

Why are The Mersey Forest working in Ellesmere Port?

So why did The Mersey Forest work in Ellesmere Port? When we planted trees in Rossmore, Stanney and Wolverham and approaching the town centre, we did'nt just think - 'it seems a little sparce on the trees' we also knew two things: 

• 15% of the population live in deprived areas.That's 1 in 7.

• A recent MIND study survey (the mental health charity) reveals almost 90% of people said that 'doing physical exercise outdoors in a natural environment was either important or very important in determining how they felt' 

  So is it fair that their environment is deprived too?

 We thought not. 

 By creating places and spaces that are good to walk and cycle around, and in between places that matter, we think this is good for the health and well being of the people that live there.

 
 Read more here: http://landscapeinstitute.org.uk/PDF/Contribute/PublicHealthandLandscape_CreatingHealthyPlaces_FINAL.pdf 

That's also partly why Cheshire West and Chester Council are investing in greenway linkages between neighbourhoods that link places of residence with places of work,training and employment.This makes places better connected,and less isolated:creating great places to enjoy your recreational time too.

This is why we are continuing to work in Ellesmere Port and this year focusing in Westminster to plant over 70 street and green space trees before May 2014.