TWO sites in the Bolton and Bury areas have been earmarked as potential new forests.
A new report by the Mersey and Red Rose Forests says old landfill sites are ideal to be turned into new community woodlands.
The announcement follows a two-year research programme funded by English Partnerships and the Forestry Commission.
The sites at Hall Lane/Hacken Lane, Darcy Lever and Carr Clough, Prestwich will become huge woodlands in the new millennium.
Local communities will be consulted about how the sites should be transformed over the next few years.
John Burns, project director of The Mersey Forest said: "All the sites we studied have the potential to become community woodlands and the designs produced include areas of woodland and grassland, ponds and wetland with managed and enhanced access for local people.
"On average the designs include 40 per cent to 50 per cent of woodland and 40 per cent grassland, giving local people new areas for recreation and havens for wildlife."
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