Kingsley Wood: from waterlogged field to award-winning woodland

A 2.99ha waterlogged field, once used for sheep, sat unused in Kingsley, Cheshire. Rather than let the land sit idle, local landowner and businessman Philip Starkey saw an opportunity to restore it for nature. Working with The Mersey Forest, he created a woodland and wetland habitat that would provide long-term environmental benefits.

Working together to reforest land

Having already worked with The Mersey Forest back in 2003, Philip approached the team for support in planning and funding this new project. Philip funded the creation of the man-made lake, while The Mersey Forest funded the woodland creation element. A woodland advisor guided species selection and planting design, ensuring they chose the right mix of 4,348 native broadleaf trees – including oak, maple, rowan, alder, poplar and lime. The project received financial support through The Mersey Forest’s Trees for Climate programme.

Rows of newly-planted trees at Kingsley Wood. Credit: The Mersey Forest

Key benefits

Through the creation of the lake and emphasis on tree planting, this parcel of land is now creating various environmental and social benefits.

Flood management and water quality

With the land prone to flooding, the man-made lake naturally filled with rainwater. And once established, tree roots will better bind the land, as well as allowing water to penetrate deeper and increase water storage in the soil, reducing future flood risk and supporting natural flood management.

Enhancing biodiversity

The combination of woodland and wetland provides a rich habitat for local wildlife, supporting bird species, amphibians and pollinators.

Capturing carbon

This new woodland is expected to capture 1,046 tonnes of carbon over the next 100 years, contributing to local and national net-zero targets.

The planted trees, looking towards Mill Lane Garage. Credit: The Mersey Forest

Award-winning sustainability

On top of all the environmental benefits, this project won the TotalEnergies' Fit for Future award, celebrating independent businesses that are helping decarbonise the automotive industry and transition to more sustainable mobility. As the owner of Mill Lane Garage, Philip sees the woodland as an extension of his commitment to sustainability.

Inspiring others to plant for the future

Philip hopes his story encourages other landowners to consider woodland creation. He said:

"If people have pockets of land they aren't using, put trees on it, because it's doing the planet good.”

Through partnerships like this, The Mersey Forest is supporting landowners to turn unused land into valuable green spaces for future generations.

Be part of the Northern Forest

Want to plant trees? Whether you’re creating new woodland or extending an existing site, you can reap a whole host of extra benefits.

• Boost biodiversity.
• Provide shelter.
• Protect your soil.
• Fight flooding

Your new trees could be part of the Northern Forest and make a difference for people, wildlife and the environment in the North of England.