As part of Wirral Council’s tree planting programme, a dedicated green space will flourish as a ‘Fostering Woodland’ in tribute to, and celebration of, Wirral’s foster carers who’ve helped children in care grow and thrive.
Over the weekend, a group of volunteers and Council staff planted at least 800 young trees, or ‘whips’, in a poignant nod to the number of children looked after in Wirral.
The trees were planted in the shape of a heart, a symbolic reminder that it takes room in your heart, and home, to change the life of a looked after young person.
Cllr Wendy Clements, Chair of Wirral Council’s Children, Young People and Education Committee, said, “Our foster carers are passionate in their dedication to making a difference to the lives of children and young people – this tree-planting effort is just one way for us all to acknowledge them.
“The woodland represents the number of children in care within our borough. Young people who have needed a safe and loving home. Young people who deserve a fantastic start in life.
“I would like to encourage anyone who feels they can be the difference to a child, to take the next step and contact our fostering team.”
The tree plant is part of the council’s current community tree-planting programme to meet a climate emergency goal of doubling Wirral’s tree canopy by planting more than 210,000 trees by 2030. The species planted in the woodland include Oak, Rowan, Wild Cherry, Birch, Guelder Rose, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Elder, Hazel, Crab Apple, Fir and Spruce.
Alongside volunteers, members of the Council’s fostering team and some foster carers themselves also took part.
Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of Wirral Council’s Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee, said, “We have been really ambitious with our tree planting target for 2030 because trees play such a crucial role in storing carbon and protecting our environment and making it more resilient. I’m glad that the tree planting programme could not only benefit our environment but also raise awareness of the vital role that fostering plays in our communities.
“Trees are key to our sense of place, identity and pride and it’s essential that local people and groups are at the heart of what we do. I am sure that our Fostering Woodland will bring a sense of pride to the borough’s many foster carers and children in care for years to come.”
Residents can find the Fostering Woodland on Carr Bridge Road Greenspace, Carr Bridge Road, Upton.
If you or someone you know has room in their home and heart to foster, enquire for more information online at www.wirralfostering.org 
or call 0151 666 4616.
If you’re interested in getting involved in a community planting scheme near you, please visit www.wirral.gov.uk/wirraltrees to find out more. If you want to sign up for an event please email nicolawallbank@wirral.gov.uk
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