Red Rose Forest

The origins of Red Rose Forest One of 12 Community Forests across England Launched in 1992 as a Partnership of 6 Local Authorities and National bodies Red Rose Forest Plan produced in 1994

The Red Rose Forest Team Tony Hothersall Forest Director Tracey Atherton Office Manager Mike Savage Operations Manager Anne Carpenter Finance & Administrative Officer Jessica Thompson Community Liaison Manager Andy Long Woodlands Officer Sally Mizon Communications Officer CFNW Posts, student placements and interns

Achievements to date Over 1200ha of new woodland created Over 1500ha of woodland brought into active management Over 600km of access routes created or upgraded Urban Timber Initiative created 52 jobs, supported 41 companies

Where are we now? Changing financial context –End of core funding from National bodies –Move to project support and Service Level Agreements Changing policy context –Increasing emphasis on ‘key policy drivers’ (Health, Education, Economy, Climate Change) –New Performance Framework for Local Authorities –Local and Multi Area Agreements Changing how the Forest works –More directly related to national and local policies –Emphasis on Green Infrastructure

Economic Benefits of Green Infrastructure Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation Flood Alleviation and Water Management Quality of Place Health and Well- being Economic Growth and Investment Land and Property Values Labour Productivity Products from the Land Land and Biodiversity Recreation and Leisure Tourism

Where are we now? Changing financial context –End of core funding from National bodies –Move to project support and Service Level Agreements Changing policy context –Increasing emphasis on ‘key policy drivers’ (Health, Education, Economy, Climate Change) –New Performance Framework for Local Authorities –Local and Multi Area Agreements Changing how the Forest works –More directly related to national and local policies –Emphasis on Green Infrastructure –Business Plan

Developing and Promoting Green Infrastructure Promoting GI in the Planning Process Green Infrastructure Think Tank Natural Economy North West

Green Infrastructure Planning Greater Manchester GI Framework Working with Environmental Sustainability and Salford West on GI planning Croal Irwell Regional Park

Green Infrastructure Planning (cont) Mosslands Project

Green Infrastructure Planning (cont) Mosslands Project

Green Infrastructure Planning (cont) Mosslands Project Irwell River Park GI Plan

Green Infrastructure Planning (cont) Mosslands Project Irwell River Park GI Plan Salford Tree Audit

Green Infrastructure Planning (cont) Mosslands Project Irwell River Park GI Plan Salford Tree Audit Local Climate Change Action Plan

Creating and Managing Green Infrastructure Woodland Creation Woodland Management –EWGS, Certification Biodiversity Action

Creating and Managing Green Infrastructure Newlands – LIVIA - £3.48m so far, another 2m to be spent

Creating and Managing Green Infrastructure Newlands – LIVIA - £3.48m so far, another 2m to be spent SSFG - The Meadows – RRF bringing £175k+ to project Green Streets - projects in Broughton and Cadishead

Timber, Biomass and renewables Biomass Timber Arisings

Partnership working and communications GM Forest Network –Over 100 members –Skillshare Training –Forest-wide Projects e.g.Health Walks Festival, Forest Fever, Fruits of Red Rose Forest, Access & Involvement) Universities & Colleges External Communications –Publications –Website –Events

Securing and Managing Resources Project Funding and resources –Over £40m since 1994 Private sector support –Work with large and small companies –Sponsorship –Green Corporate Days Community Forests North West –Applying for grants –Acquiring Land –Employing staff

Key elements of Red Rose Forest Partnerships Flexibility Change

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