Unbelievable! An Unprecedented Response from the Maghull Community.

1.1 Border Planting. Since our appeal requesting dormant woodland themed shrubs from the local community the huge cleared 50x4m rear border, we have had an unprecedented response from the community with over 110 shrubs donated to date, which we have endeavoured to plant immediately. Many of the plants we have received have been nurtured from seeds/cuttings or have huge sentimental attachments having been passed on from previous generations which make them even more special. People have responded from all around Maghull and as far as Haskayne. Steve, a local gardener has provided regular shrubs from his business often from clearing gardens but we wish to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone for their generosity and would like to encourage people to please continue donating plants until the end of March (through the dormant growth period which makes the plants easier to transplant and establish). We have plants in most parts of the border now and have tried to keep large plants at the rear and smaller ones at the front, whilst mixing evergreens with deciduous to maintain interest throughout the seasons. In the meantime, the border is historically well-stocked with a treasure trove of bulbs which are now making an appearance in the form of snowdrops, crocus, bluebells, and daffodils.

1.2 Rockery. Building on Dave Lenton’s beautiful grey donated rocks, close to Bumbles Nursery, Ken (local stonemason) has tirelessly and invaluably helped to transport a huge amount of donated sandstone rocks from Ian Hill, which has provided a consistent rockery presence and definition throughout the remaining border.

1.4 Wood Chippings. Paul (local tree surgeon), has been consistently brilliant in his ongoing supply of wood chippings, which acts as a fantastic, attractive, woodland themed weed suppressant, which is imperative for maintaining such a huge border. In addition, he undertook a mission of mercy with his truck when we were donated some large dwarf trees in the form of a Willow, Hazel, and a heavy rhododendron.

2.0 Zoom Meeting with the Sefton Climate Action Group (link to the Friends of the Earth). This was a lovely informal experience which was enhanced by their shared passion to make a difference to the local environment. They are hoping to undertake some environmental projects themselves possibly starting in Crosby.

3.0 Local Champion Newspaper Coverage (Online) The continued collaboration between Sefton Council and the Spacehive crowdfunding organisation to support community initiatives, launched its new annual campaign with a generous reference to our success last year.

4.0 Coming up This Month.

4.1 Evergreen Tree Planting. Green Sefton will be planting for donated evergreen trees from Sefton highways this month, comprising of three small Nordman’s and an Atlantic Cedar. That will provide structure and all-round seasonal colour and interest.

4.2 Blossoming Tree Planting. Following a successful application to the Tree Council last year we will be planting nine 4m trees (costing £1500) comprising of cherry and crab-apple trees to form a Avenue of blossom around the planned path in front of the rear border.

4.3 Cotswold Path Installation. The main part of our successful crowdfunding campaign last year is the provision of an accessible for all natural 230×2 m pathway, which we are planning to install this month, courtesy of significant donations and the in kind labour from a local gardening team.

5.0 Our Other Projects. 5.1 Millbank Lane Tree planting

5.2 Pimbley Field Tree planting

5.3 Hall Lane Park Tree planting

5.4 Claremont Avenue – 10 mature trees to be planted

5.5 Deyes Lane – seven mature trees to be planted

5.6 Dover Road junction – green improvements.

5.7 Rhinoceros Sculpture landscaping preparation being undertaken, on Stafford Moreton Way

Thank you very much to one and all, your amazing support has been brilliant and is really helping to make a difference for everyone.

Please Help. The rockery on the rear border entrance is just the beginning, our aim this year is to plant up this huge 50x4m to border with Woodland themed planting, consequently we are encouraging community support via the following:

• Woodland themed plant donations (please email woodendcwp@gmail.com)

• Online donations on our new crowdfunding website (www.justgiving/crowdfunding/woodend) to plant up the remainder of the 50×4 m rear border.

• We have partnered with the Co-op as one of their charities of the year (October 2020/21). The Maghull Co-op (Deyes Lane) will ‘donate money for nothing’, if customers simply sign up to be a Co-op member and choose our ‘cause’. Then every time a customer uses their membership card the Co-op will donate to our charity. Simply visit the Co-op website at https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/53065 Many Best Wishes, FOMD