A FORMER Cheshire West golf course is set to become a haven for nature after transformative work by the Woodland Trust.

Frodsham golf course, on the outskirts of Frodsham, will be developed over the next 50 years as link between the existing Woodland Trust sites at Snidley Moor, Woodhouse Hill & Frodsham Hill Woods.

With tree cover between just 6 and 7 per cent in Merseyside and Cheshire, compared to the national average of 13 per cent, the site will provide vital green space, as well as becoming a beacon for combating climate change.

It will develop as native broadleaf woodland and all trees planted will help to grow The Mersey Forest and the larger Northern Forest, which stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire coast.

Neil Oxley, site manager of the Woodland Trust: "This is a really exciting new site for the Woodland Trust, close to urban areas and providing a vital area for wildlife and recreation. Cheshire as a whole is low in tree cover so this new woodland will provide vital tree cover and help us tackle the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss."

Tim Oliver, Trees for Climate Coordinator at The Mersey Forest, said: "We’re pleased to be working alongside the Woodland Trust to help create new native woodland in this area. Creating more woodlands in and around our communities helps to connect people with nature, improves people’s health and wellbeing as well as providing habitat for local wildlife to thrive."

The site will provide habitats for wildlife, providing access to nature for local communities and locking away carbon. The new woodland will protect the existing ancient semi-natural and secondary woodlands nearby. It will have a varied and diverse woodland structure interspersed with grassy paths and open glades.

There will be a network of footpaths for informal public access across the site with views of the Sandstone Ridge, River Mersey, Liverpool and the Welsh Hills.

The site will also be delivering community engagement and education through volunteering and space for outdoor learning.

Those wishing to learn more about the Woodland Trust's plans can visit its consultation on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27, 10.30am-3.30pm at Frodsham Community Centre, Fluin Lane, Frodsham.