THE boss of a newly-formed forestry group for the North West believes the route to more jobs and economic growth is to expand the woodlands around towns like Bolton.

Iain Taylor, chairman of the North West Forestry and Woodland Advisory Committee, said putting up efforts to protect, improve and expand wooded areas would also reduce carbon pollution.

The North West region already boasts 70,000 people working in the sector, but Mr Taylor believes there is room for more. He said: “The number of jobs in forestry has continued to rise in the UK and there is still significant growth potential.”