The concept of the Mersey Forest came about as one of twelve large-scale, long-term tree planting programmes proposed in the early 1990s, with the aim of improving the environment for the benefit of people, wildlife and the economy. The Mersey Forest, covering 500 square miles, is the largest of these Community Forest areas, covering parts of Merseyside and North Cheshire, and the woodlands planted offer a great opportunity to experience nature on your doorstep.