Trees replanted in bridge project
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THE Mersey Gateway bridge project has said work has started to replant thousands of trees and shrubs across Runcorn and Widnes.
A Merseylink consortium spokesman said the scheme is intended to reinstate landscaping across the area affected by the major infrastructure works.
He said ‘58,000 new trees and almost 110,000 new shrubs’ will be planted across Halton.
Native and evergreen species including English oaks, silver birch and field maple, will be placed alongside Scots pine and black pine to ensure year-long greenery.
Hugh O’Connor, Merseylink general manager, said the scheme showed the consortium’s commitment to the environment. ● Hugh O’Connor, general manager of Merseylink
The spokesman said planting began this month and will continue during the relevant seasons.
Environmental issues have been a key focus since the project was first developed, he said.
The Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust (MGET) charitable trust was set up to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the environment across a 1,600-hectare area of the upper Mersey estuary running from the Mersey Gateway bridge up river to Warrington.
The trust is also aiming to create a 28.5-hectare nature reserve around the bridge.
He said: “As with any largescale infrastructure project, work to build the Mersey Gateway bridge and associated road network has involved some extensive landscaping work.
“From the start Merseylink has planned to restore and replant extensive areas around the project sites with trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, to ensure local wildlife can thrive. “We’re delighted to report this replanting work is now being delivered.
“When complete the landscaping scheme will have replanted more trees and shrubs in the area than were initially removed.”
Victoria Pollard, Merseylink environment manager, said “The replanting scheme will provide massive ecological value to local wildlife.
“Motorists will notice the new greenery as we approach the spring, and more and more of these new trees and shrubs begin to grow.”
Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Council leader, said: “The replanting of many thousands of trees across the borough is a significant step for the project.
“Preserving and improving the environment is a strong aim of the Mersey Gateway project and it is fantastic that we are now beginning to see landscaping taking place across the borough.
“The replanting of trees and shrubs will benefit wildlife and will be enjoyed by local residents, too.”