The Forestry Commission proposal for a community woodland near to Byrom Hall at Lowton, which includes the planting of 24,000 broad leaved trees, was put in jeopardy by scare mongering and by objections which have now been resolved. Following representations by Community Action Party Councillor Peter Franzen to Wigan Council's Environmental panel, the Director of Planning, the Forestry Commission, MP Andy Burnham and the local press the proposed Lowton Community Woodland is now in progress.

The Forestry Commission has acquired 28 hectares of former farmland that formed part of Byrom Hall, the acquisition took place in December 2002 and came with another piece of land that had been in discussion for some time. This parcel was introduced late in the negotiations for land in the Red Rose Forest area but is a none the less welcome addition.

Initial involvement of local people has started with the view to agreeing a design of the woodland, the intention is to provide a community woodland for local people with a network of paths for all weather use around the site. The land is already well served by Public Footpaths (numbers 31and 33 with 28 and 29 forming a link too), these rights of Way will continue to provide access to the area.

Over time, we hope to get local people involved in the development of the site and there are great opportunity to involve the schools and locals in tree planting events. The area will contain a mosaic of habitat, some of the area will remain as open ground and some will be planted with young trees that will develop into mixed broadleaved woodland (Oak, Ash and Birch) in years to come. The diversity of habitat will ensure that the site will provide sustainable habitat for farmland birds and develop into a rich variety of grassland and herbaceous plants that will attract other wildlife.

If you would like to get further information on the project or would like to know opportunities to get involved with tree planting then contact the Forestry Commission Community Forest Team on: 01925 859520 or email: tim.oliver@forestry.gsi.gov.uk