Cheshire Wildlife Trust's latest local project has seen thousands of new trees planted as part of a pioneering Agroforestry scheme in Wincle.

After more than two years of planning and preparation, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and partners have completed an Agroforestry scheme at Wincle Grange Farm in the Upper Dane catchment of Cheshire East.

Thanks to the Trees for Climate funding and support from The Mersey Forest, a whopping 11,000 native trees have been planted across the 35-hectare site.

In a statement sent to Macclesfield Nub News, Cheshire Wildlife Trust said: "The scheme integrates trees into the agricultural landscape, enhancing the land through strategic tree planting to benefit both the environment and farm operations.

To find out more about the work at Wincle Grange, please click the play button on the video at the top of this article.

"This method, known as Agroforestry or Silvopasture, is designed to improve the productivity and sustainability of agricultural land.

"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."

According to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Benefits of Agroforestry on the environment and farming include:

• 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.

And of course, there is also the more banal benefit of such as trees being pleasant to look at.

The farm's owner highlighted the trees positive impact on livestock and soil. (Image - Cheshire Wildlife Trust)

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."

That makes an average of 314 trees planted per hectare. (Image - Cheshire Wildlife Trust)

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.