Britain's first new forest for 25 years to link coastal cities

LONDON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- More than 50 million trees are to be planted to create a new forest in northern England, it was announced Sunday by British Prime Minister Theresa May.

The forest will stretch for almost 200 kilometers from port cities Liverpool and Hull along a corridor following the M62 motorway which links the two cities.

Following backing from Environment Secretary Michael Gove, the Woodland Trust and Community Forest Trust aim to plant the trees, with the government on Sunday providing more than 8 million U.S. dollars to launch the first project of its kind in Britain for more than 25 years.

The new forest will also span the cities of Bradford, Leeds, Manchester to help boost habitats for woodland birds and bats and protect iconic species such as the red squirrel. It will also provide a tranquil space to be enjoyed by millions of people living in the area, said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The announcement forms part of the government's upcoming 25 Year Environment Plan, which sets the current generation can be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than it inherited.

May said: "It is vital that we leave our planet in a better state than we found it, with cleaner air, stronger protections for animal welfare and greener spaces for everyone to enjoy.

"Progress is being made. We're investing over 3 billion pounds (4 billion U.S. dollars) in improving air quality, tackling marine pollution by banning harmful microbeads and increasing sentences for animal cruelty to five years.

"But to create an environment fit for the future we can't stop there, and that is why we are supporting the creation of this new Northern Forest and will shortly be setting out our ambitious vision to further support the environment and protect its good health for generations to come."

Environment Secretary Gove said: "Trees are some of our most cherished natural assets and living evidence of our investment for future generations. Not only are they a source of beauty and wonder, but a way to manage flood risk, protect precious species, and create healthier places for us to work and live.

"The Northern Forest is an ambitious and exciting project that will create a vast ribbon of woodland cover in northern England stretching from coast to coast, providing a rich habitat for wildlife to thrive, and a natural environment for millions of people to enjoy. This new forest will help us deliver a Green Brexit and help to deliver on our pledge to leave the environment in a better state than we found it."

The Woodland Trust and Community Forest Trust estimate the new forest, with its breath-taking scenery and landscape, will generate more than 2.7 billion U.S. dollars for the British economy. The first planting of trees for the forest will begin in March.

The ambitious project follows the success of the National Forest, which transformed 518 square kilometers of industrial sites in Central England. The forest now attracts over eight million visitors a year and has seen wildlife like otters, water voles and dragonflies flourish. Enditem