Sefton Coast and Countryside Service

Sefton Council's Coast and Countryside Service in conjunction with numerous partners has increased its efficiency and sustainability and provided training for vulnerable people thanks to new forestry equipment for its inclusion programme. The Woodmizer, Chipper, Sawbench and Radial Saw have enabled what may previously have been considered 'waste' timber to be crafted into picnic benches, gates, nest boxes, waymarkers and many other products for use throughout the Council's sites.

"There is no doubt that the support of The Mersey Forest and ICEP has enabled us to considerably increase the scope of the Biodiversity and Access Project as an inclusion programme, which provides work experience and training to disengaged young people, adults with learning difficulties and other vulnerable groups. The funding for new equipment has also enabled us to increase our efficiency: if we need a five bar gate, stile or interpretive plinth – we just make it."

- Dave McAleavy, Head of Coast and Countryside Service, Sefton Council

By harvesting wood efficiently, the need for imported timber has fallen, reducing transport expenditure and furthering the Service's sustainability. The timber can also carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label after UKWAS certification was achieved, with support from The Mersey Forest through the Merseyside Objective One programme, for the area of the Sefton Coast Woodlands managed by the Coast and Countryside Service. The FSC logo provides independent assurance to customers that timber comes from sustainably managed woodlands, potentially increasing its market value.

• £24,000 ICEP Mersey Forest grant
• £24,000 match funding
• 80% of timber now sourced inhouse
• 6 jobs created
• 7ha woodland improved

Read the extended case study at: www.merseyforest.org.uk/inclusion.pdf