THOUSANDS of trees are to be planted in Lancashire this spring.

About 60,000 trees will be planted in the Forest of Bowland as part of a major Forestry Commission programme to replace trees felled for timber.

For every tree harvested, three more will be planted in its place.

A number of species will be planted, including native broad-leaved trees such as oak, ash, alder and rowan. Other species include spruce, Scots pine, larch and Douglas fir.

Graeme Prest, manager for the Lakes Forest District, which includes the Forest of Bowland, said: "Our felling and replanting programme follows long-term forest plans of 20 years or more.

"The aim is to introduce a wide range of trees of all ages to improve the appearance of the forest and create a better environment for wildlife. At the same time, we're producing valuable supplies of timber."

More than 90,000 cubic metres of timber are harvested each year from forests in the Lakes Forest District. The wood is used mainly for packaging, building materials, fencing, kitchen units and paper production.

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