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Forestry and Arboriculture

Trees and Woodland in Cheshire

Historical Context

Prior to the Norman Conquest the majority of the county of Cheshire remained under woodland cover. Over the following centuries many trees were cleared for settlement and cultivation, however substantial tracts of woodland survived, protected for the Crown for hunting and to satisfy ongoing timber demand (including both Delamere Forest and Macclesfield Forest within Cheshire). It was during World War I that Cheshire’s woodlands, in common with the rest of the country, were greatly reduced. The remainder of the 20th century brought about a further rapid change in the landscape due to growing development, urbanisation, intensive farming and the onslaught of Dutch Elm disease (during the 70’s and 80’s), all leading to a further loss of trees. In the year 2000 woodland covered 8,500 hectares of Cheshire, approximately 4% of the total area of the county. This represents less than half the national average. According to a Forestry Commission census (1979-1982), Cheshire does however possess more freestanding trees per square kilometre than other counties, at nearly 2 million. These freestanding trees are a legacy of the 18th and 19th century, and unfortunately approximately 60% of the trees are over-mature and in a state of decline.

The Importance and Value of Trees and Woodland

Trees and woodland constitute an important component in Cheshire’s landscape, enhancing the beauty of the county. The hedgerow trees and hedges are largely responsible for the traditional landscape on the Cheshire Plain, creating the “patchwork quilt” appearance. Woodlands are a prominent feature and create impact in areas such as the sandstone ridge in the west of the county, in the narrow river valleys and on the gritstone outcrops around Macclesfield and Congleton.

In general, trees provide rich wildlife habitats, a sustainable timber resource, provide recreational opportunities, have the ability to revitalise and regenerate derelict land and vastly improve quality of life in and around urban areas.

English Oak is the dominant tree of Cheshire fields and hedgerows, also abundant in small woodlands, typifying the rural landscape. Other natural components of mixed woodland in the county are Ash and Wild Cherry, Rowan, Field Maple, Whitebeam and Hazel.

There is a need to arrest any further decline in woodland and tree cover by taking positive action. In 1994 Cheshire County Council undertook an assessment of the present condition of Cheshire’s landscape relative to its historic past. The assessment indicated a continuing need to replace or relocate existing tree cover, especially at the edges of towns and on areas of disturbed land, and also a need to carry out extensive new tree planting to improve the landscape (including projects such as the Mersey Forest). Additionally trees on farmland provide many benefits in terms of landscape and environmental gain, to be appreciated by present and future generations. Grants are available from the Forestry Commission offering the opportunity to increase woodland cover on farmland.

In addition to new tree planting, effective management and conservation of the County’s existing stock is vitally important. In particular, surviving remnants of ancient woodland are irreplaceable, requiring skilled and sensitive management to conserve their unique qualities.

To the casual observer the county of Cheshire may appear well wooded. However aerial photography reveals the patchwork quilt looking distinctly threadbare.

Sources of Information

Trees in Cheshire, Document No. 485, Cheshire County Council, 1995
A Woodland Strategy for Cheshire, Document No. 442, Cheshire County Council, 1992