Community forester adds a touch of green

The city council's Park Heeley Area Panel has appointed a community forester to work in the area and turn it into a leafy haven.

Moira Walker will be responsible for tree planting and tree renewal, as well as schemes to get the community involved in looking after trees and green spaces.

She is meeting local community groups and individuals to work out her priorities for the year ahead, particularly tree planting this winter.

Coun John Robson, chairman of the Park Heeley Area Panel said: “This is probably the most exciting thing the Area Panel has done in my time as chairman.

“We are delighted to have Moira on board. We know that local people are keen to see more trees in their area and we are delighted to help with that. Having a community forester is an important part of the regeneration of this area, and Moira's work will tie in with the physical improvements being made.”

Moira added: “I'm really enjoying the job and looking forward to planting some trees. The community will be a key part of making this a success and I've already had some really interesting ideas from them.”