Formby residents can chop their own wood

FORMBY residents are being invited to cut their own wood from a small woodland area near St Luke's Road. A wood allotment has been set up to enable people to harvest their own wood fuel. The wood allotments scheme enables people to cut cheap or free logs from local woodlands with the agreement of the landowner. In return, the felling helps to maintain the woodland. The project at St Luke's Road is being organised by The Mersey Forest and Woodland Trust, following a successful pilot in Cheshire. Paul Nolan, Director at the Mersey Forest said: “Wood Allotments gives you a carefully marked number of trees to chop down yourself for firewood in a local woodland that is in need of thinning. ”You get glorious fresh air and exercise, as well as locally sourced, sustainable logs. And it’s great for the woodland too, letting more light in so that the flora and fauna can thrive.“ The Mersey Forest, on behalf of Sefton Council’s Coast and Countryside Service, are trying to gauge the demand for a Wood Allotment in the Formby area. Paul Nolan, added: ”We’re really excited that the first wood allotments in the country started in The Mersey Forest, and we now have new opportunities in Formby. “The woodlands are enjoyed by many residents and this is a great way for them to help improve the quality of the woodland for wildlife and other visitors to enjoy.” This initiative is made possible with funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund via The Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership. Anyone who is interested can visit www.woodallotments.org.uk and fill in their contact details by clicking on the ‘golden axe’ on the map close to St Luke’s Road. Anyone who registered will be contacted in late August with further details. Alternatively call The Mersey Forest on 01925 816217.