Wood you believe it: we’re top of the trees

BARKING UP THE RIGHT TREE. . . Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes celebrates Oldham’s Forest Stewardship Council certificate with, from left, Carey Robinson, Pennine Edge Forest, Ruth Dodds, countryside officer, Eirwen Hopwood, principal countryside officer, Liz Kershaw, principal regeneration officer, and Joanne Maynron, regeneration support officer.

Oldham’s woodlands are being managed to international standards — and that has been officially certified.

The council is celebrating becoming only the fifth in the UK to achieve the UK Woodland Assurance Standard.

Oldham is also only the second authority in the Pennine Edge Forest area to reach the standard, part of the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) requirements. Independent auditors praised the free opportunities offered to enjoy Oldham’s woodland though guided walks, classroom activities, and Little Seedlings clubs. They said the teachers’ pack — Teaching With Trees — is an excellent approach to facilitating environmental education.

Woodland Assurance Standards are a priority for the Forestry Commission for sustaining and expanding England’s woodlands. Oldham reached the standard at 25 sites whiich are for recreation, access and biodiversity, including several in Leesbrook, Tandle Hills, Daisy Nook, Sholver, Saddleworth, Crompton Moor and the Medlock Valley.

Tim Oliver, grants and regulations manager for the Forestry Commission, said: “In achieving this standard, Oldham Council is clearly demonstrating that it is managing its woodlands sustainably to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits that local people can enjoy.

“Woodland and trees in this location are particularly valuable because of the sheer numbers of people that can enjoy them. Oldham Council may now be eligible for forestry management grants under the English Woodland Grant Scheme”

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for environment, said: “The tremendous effort and preparation for the audit and knowledge of the certification requirements is a credit to all the staff involved.

“These woodland sites are a great asset to the borough and certification will ensure their benefits for health, recreation, leisure and biodiversity will continue long into the future.”