We have been assessed and certified as meeting the requirements
of a well managed forest.
This means that with the help of grants from the Forestry
Commission woodlands within the Councils ownership are managed for
wildlife, recreation and access. Woodlands included in this scheme
are:
- Healey Dell
- Alkrington Wood
- Hopwood Wood
- Syke
- Scowcroft
- Sudden Brook
- Wince Brook
- Springfield Park
- Roch Valley
- Hollingworth Lake Woodlands
- Summit Quarry
- Calderbrook Terrace
- Barkers Wood
- Irk Valley
Pennine Edge Forest
Pennine Edge Forest is a community woodland initiative on the
eastern edge of Greater Manchester. The forest covers the districts
of Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside and is a partnership of
the four local authorities, Forestry Commission, United Utilities,
Groundwork Trusts, and British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.
The partnership was formed in 2003.
Although there are many superb existing woodlands within
Rochdale and the Pennine Edge Forest, such as those at Healey Dell
and Alkrington Woods, only 3% of the total forest area is wooded,
compared to 9% for England as a whole.
Woodlands are wonderful habitats not only for wildlife, but also
for recreation and education. Trees act as natural air filters,
removing pollution and dust from the atmosphere. They also can
improve the image of an area, regenerating derelict land making it
more attractive for investors and for those who live and work in
the area.
The Pennine Edge Forest provides a fantastic opportunity for the
region and represents the long-term commitment made by Rochdale and
its partners to increasing the quality and percentage of tree and
woodland cover, and improving the environment for everyone who
lives or works within the area.
As well as working to create new woodlands and manage existing
woodland areas, Pennine Edge Forest will also:
- Work with local communities to offer opportunities to get
involved in practical activities.
- Develop community events and educational opportunities for
schools.
- Bring neglected woodlands back into community life.
- Enrich local biodiversity.
- Provide accessible recreational woodlands on the doorstep of
urban neighbourhoods.
- Develop innovative ways to green local neighbourhoods, business
landscapes and encourage private landowners to plant new woodlands
on unused land.
The Pennine Edge Forest Partnership launched its Business Action
Plan in 2004. The executive summary is available on the below link.
If you require the full Business Action Plan please contact the
Pennine Edge Forest Coordinator.
Pennine Edge Forest,
Business Action Plan 2004 - 2013, Executive Summary (308KB
pdf)
The first trees were planted and woodland managed during winter
2003, marking the start of the Pennine Edge Forest, and the
beginning of a ten-year project to increase both the quality and
percentage of woodland within the forest area.
Within Rochdale, we have delivered many different and innovative
projects with our partners on behalf of Pennine Edge
Forest. These have included:
- New woodland planting at Millers Brook, Heywood.
- 23 schools arboretums.
- The natural signposting project providing links from East
central Rochdale into the Roch valley at Belfield.
- Assisted with the development of the plans for the Newlands at
Belfield.
- Woodland management at Mitchell Street, Rochdale and Irkside,
Alkrington.
- Woodland improvements at Edinburgh Way woodland.
- Assisting with the partnership to deliver the Edinbrugh way
landscape improvements.
- Worked with Rochdale Environmental Management towards the audit
of Rochdale’s woodland for UKWAS certification.
- Produced the Rare Trees of Rochdale leaflet.
- Rochdale tree month - February 2006.
- Rochdale tree week - December 200.
- Schools ground improvements and tree planting.
- Contribution to a Greater Manchester wide study into off road
motorcycling.
- Worked with local landowners to raise awareness of woodland and
tree related grant opportunities.
We are committed to compliance with the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) / UK Woodland assurance Standard, including the
protection and maintenance of the long term ecological integrity of
its trees under certification.
