Reproduced with permission from 'Cheshire Life', July 2006 Edition

ALL FOR ONETREE AND ONETREE FOR ALL!

As the days get longer and the weather warmer, why not put a spring in your step and visit Cheshire's ultimate outdoor recycling project and renewable visitor attraction - the "onetree" woodland at Longacre in Dutton?

Springing up literally around you, this unique outdoor arena, situated alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal, is living proof of the often-quoted legacy that from a single acorn can indeed grow thousands of oak trees.

Historically the oak tree has enjoyed natural significance, claiming its place as the most noble of hardwoods. Adding to this legacy, Cheshire's "onetree" woodland fully deserves its place in the natural make-up of the country for the unique way in which it continuously completes a cycle - from acorn back to acorn.

The very roots of Cheshire's "onetree" wood can be traced back to distinguished beginnings.

In November 1998 a 170-year-old oak tree on the Tatton Park Estate was felled. Specially selected because it was coming to the end of its natural life, and because it could be safely felled, the chosen tree left behind a clearing with ideal sunlight conditions to encourage the growth of new saplings.

Co-ordinated by a couple of furniture makers, the original "onetree" project founded from this one felled oak, had four simple aims: to raise awareness about the value of trees as a resource; to promote art and craft in Britain; to demonstrate the unique beauty and versatility of wood and raise funds for future tree planting projects to sustain this easily renewable resource.

The simplicity of the vision - to showcase the volume and quality of work that can come from just one tree - caught the imagination and the pair were able to harness the talents of designers, artists and craftspeople from across the country who created a huge range of pieces which were brought together for an exhibition which toured five different locations.

Money raised from the sale of the exhibits, together with donations, book royalties and profits from the sale of postcards, left funds totalling almost £25,000 and it was decided to invest the money into the creation of a new woodland, which would leave a lasting "onetree" legacy for future generations, whilst also continuing to deliver the project's original key objectives.

The hunt then started to locate the most suitable site for the "onetree" wood. In stepped The Mersey Forest Team who suggested the Longacre site, owned and managed by the Woodland Trust.

Money from "onetree", the Mersey Forest Trust, Cheshire County Council, the Forestry Commission and Frodsham Forward, together with more than £40,000 raised locally, was used towards the purchase of Longacre Wood - a classic clough wood incorporating native plants including wild garlic, bluebell and unusually for Cheshire, the old planted hornbeams - as well as an adjacent area of bare land - designated as the "onetree" site. Also included in the purchase was an Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland,
which previously had not been accessed by the public, containing wildflowers including bluebells, lesser celandine, marsh marigolds and red campion.

Although funds raised through the various sources covered the cost of some of the basic planting at the site, extra financial help was needed.

Without the financial support from local chemical manufacturer INEOS Chlor, the site would have remained inaccessible. As a result of the funds gained from INEOS Chlor through Landfill Tax credits, and with the addition of grant money from Vale Royal Council, a fantastic informal trail was created.

To continue the "onetree" vision of using and recycling natural resources, footpaths have been cleared, but the surfaces remain natural. And to create the path which winds its way through both the old wood and the newly planted area a number of trees had to be felled, but where possible they have been brought back into use under a number of guises.

As the woodland is below the level of the canal and has areas of steep ground it has been necessary to build steps to help visitors negotiate their way through easily. Boardwalks constructed for access in the wet areas and a bridge built to cross a streambed.

Continuing the "onetree" theme much of the boardwalk, bridge, steps, stiles and fencing have been produced from local timber and some of the felled trees have even been recycled in these projects. A sycamore tree was used to construct a bench on site, and the British oak used to create display boards came from Woodland Trust woods.

It is amazing to think that felling just one tree on the Tatton Park Estate more than seven years ago has not only led to the creation of a whole new woodland, but has also provided new public access, ensured the proper management of an Ancient Semi-National Woodland and gives access to a natural wildflower seed bank, as well as teaching people about the value of natural timber and woodland as a resource.

Extremely well linked to public rights of way, the wood also connects with the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath and the Delamere Way - a 21-mile route from Frodsham to Warrington - runs past the southern section of the site.

So, why not put your best feet forward and discover the delights of "onetree" wood for yourself?

To get to Longacre Wood leave the M56 at junction 10 and follow the A49 towards Northwich. At the junction with the A533, Northwich Road, turn right towards Dutton, Longacre Wood is on the left hand side, just off the road.
Alternatively use the Woodland Trust's on-line mapping system available at www.wt-woods.org.uk/longacrewood/map.asp.

ENDS