Brickfields Community Woodland Update
The proposals include several walking and cycling trails, bridges, nature areas and an eye-catching hill top feature that's intended to become a focal point for the site. The revised plans will be considered at a meeting of St.Helens Council's planning committee on November 6th.
A list of tree, shrub and hedgerow species for planting has just been released. It's very comprehensive and includes English Oak, Silver Birch, Rowan, Ash, Hazel, Wild Cherry, Hawthorn, Holly, Yew, Field Maple, Scots Pine, Dog Rose, Blackthorn, Common Buckthorn, Broom and Wayfaring Tree. A full list can be viewed HERE.
An artist's impression of the project - click for a larger view and an aerial photograph of the Brickfields site as it is now
As there's been some misinformed criticism of the funding for the Manor's Big Art Project, it's worth mentioning the sources for Brickfields. The North West Development Agency are providing £2.1 million of regeneration funding to transform the site, with cash also coming Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. An additional £302,976 has been awarded through the Integrated Countryside and Environment Plan (ICEP), which is an Objective One Project part funded by the European Union. The good folks at Mersey Forest are working to deliver ICEP through Community Forestry.
The work on the site was scheduled to begin on Monday but will no doubt commence when planning permission comes through. When completed the stakeholders envisage Brickfields becoming a valuable area of green space for Sutton locals and visitors to enjoy. This website will be keenly monitoring the project's progress.
