Green-tech supports CLECO with large-scale woodland creation scheme

The project involves establishing 37,124 native trees across a diverse mix of broadleaf and coniferous species, creating a resilient new woodland landscape designed to deliver long-term environmental and ecological benefits

Horticulture

Read More: CLECO Green-tech Scheme woodland creation

9 June 2026

Green-tech has supplied planting protection products for a 34-hectare woodland creation scheme in Cheshire, which was delivered by CLECO on behalf of a Local Authority.

CLECO is a family-run environmental contractor specialising in woodland creation, ecological restoration, and long-term landscape establishment.

“Once we outlined what we needed, Green-tech took ownership and made it happen. It genuinely felt like having an extra member of the team. The quality of materials supplied was consistently high and supported smooth delivery on site,” Ross Butterworth, managing director of CLECO, said.

A key feature of this project is the inclusion of 42 rare genetic clones of the endangered Black Poplar, bred by Chester Zoo. These were established within parkland-style planting using tree crates as part of an agroforestry wood pasture system designed to support future livestock grazing.

This represents a significant contribution to the reintroduction of an endangered native species within the Cheshire landscape.

The scheme is driven by core objectives focused on carbon capture, climate resilience, and biodiversity enhancement. A diverse mix of flowering and fruiting species has been incorporated, particularly within the shrub layer, to maximise ecological value and support long-term habitat creation.

GREEN-TECH INVOLVEMENT AND PRODUCTS SUPPLIED

Green-tech supplied a range of tree protection and establishment products to support successful woodland establishment across the 34-hectare site.

Tubex Standard Shelters were installed across the majority of planting areas to provide protection against browsing wildlife and wind exposure, while helping to create a stable microclimate that supports the early establishment of young trees.

Shrub Guards were specified for the mixed native shrub layer, where biodiversity-led planting required additional protection for smaller whips and shrubs. These areas were designed to enhance ecological value through flowering and fruiting species, and the guards supported consistent establishment in more sensitive zones.

900mm hardwood stakes were used to provide durable structural support across the site, ensuring stability for newly planted trees in a range of ground conditions, including exposed locations.

Together, these products supported reliable establishment across both standard woodland planting and more complex ecological areas, including the Black Poplar parkland plots and agroforestry zones.

Working closely with CLECO, Green-tech provided a flexible and responsive supply service throughout the programme, ensuring materials were delivered in line with phased planting schedules and evolving site requirements.

IMPACT AND OUTCOME

The project represents a significant achievement for CLECO, demonstrating its capability as a direct delivery partner on large-scale Local Authority schemes, managing all aspects of logistics, financial oversight, planting operations and the transition into a five-year maintenance programme.

Supply chain collaboration played a key role in the success of this project. Green-tech worked closely with CLECO to provide the flexibility, trust, and responsiveness needed to coordinate large, time-sensitive material orders for a project of this scale. The relationship served as a seamless extension of their project team, helping them to navigate challenges efficiently.

Green-tech ensured consistent material quality throughout and will support long-term accountability by working with CLECO over the 5-year maintenance period, strengthening ownership of both the establishment and long-term site success.

A key strength of the scheme was the end-to-end delivery approach, from early planning and tender stage through to planting and establishment works. This reinforced CLECO’s position as a credible, delivery-led alternative to larger national contractors, with clear on-site accountability.

The woodland creation and Black Poplar restoration will deliver long-term benefits for carbon sequestration, climate resilience, and biodiversity enhancement, creating a lasting environmental legacy across the Cheshire landscape.