The land was purchased by the National Trust with support from the Mersey Forest from Sefton Council in November 2024 with the aim to develop a green sanctuary for local residents while providing habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, native plants, and potentially red squirrels.

Around 91,000 trees have been planted by our tree planting squad using a diverse mix of tree species.

The partnership involves National Trust working with Lancashire Wildlife Trust , the Environment Agency , and Forestry England   who care for land in the surrounding area. This collaboration aims to connect existing habitats and create new forest areas that link with current woodlands and wetlands.

As one of the least wooded countries in Europe, these green spaces are crucial in addressing biodiversity and the climate crisis. The National Trust is committed to contributing to woodland creation projects near populated areas, which will aid in biodiversity recovery, climate mitigation, and offer local communities access to nature.

The primary funding for this initiative comes from the DEFRA ‘Trees For Climate’ program, facilitated by the Mersey Forest team, along with contributions from the National Trust's Plant a Tree appeal.

Justin Matthews, Area Ranger for the National Trust,  said, "Whilst the landscape around Lunt looks quite green, much of it is private farmland and not currently accessible.

“Securing this land gives us a brilliant opportunity to create more diverse habitat alongside our partners, enabling nature to flourish in the area. We know that people feel much more connected to nature when they can get out into it close to home, and that connectedness makes a huge difference to health and wellbeing."
 
Sophie Bray, Trees and Woodlands Manager at The Mersey Forest , said, "The Mersey Forest is pleased to be supporting the project at Lunt, providing funding through our Trees for Climate programme to help create woodlands and diverse habitats that will benefit both people and nature. Lunt has been a key strategic site identified in our Forest Plan.

“Through our successful partnership with National Trust, Sefton Council, Forestry Commission Forestry England, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Environment Agency, we've reached this key milestone in the project and are excited to be one step closer to establishing a new woodland in this area."

John Deakin, the National Trust Head of Trees and Woodland , said, "We are one of Europe's least wooded nations, yet these spaces are vital in our response to the biodiversity and climate crises. As the National Trust, we're keen to play our part by supporting woodland creation projects near places where people live, helping biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation but also providing opportunities for people to access nature close to home" 

 Matthew Farrell , MICFor, Tilhill Forestry Senior Forest Manager , said:  

“We are delighted to oversee the planting and maintenance of a diverse array of trees and shrubs at this new National Trust site. By introducing a mix of broadleaf and conifer species, we aim to enhance and connect the surrounding existing woodlands.

Our organisation has planted over a billion trees in the UK, and we continue to champion trees as one of the most effective tools against climate change. As these new woodlands grow, they will sequester carbon in the soil and timber and clean the air by removing harmful pollutants and releasing oxygen.”