Mab Lane before Newlands

- Visible from all roads into the area and on several public transport routes, Mab Lane was having a significant impact on West Derby's reputation.

Mab Lane was the name given to three sites of former wasteland in West Derby, Liverpool.  Under-utilised and encouraging anti-social behaviour, the sites had water-logging problems and desperately needed drains installing to redirect excess water.

Visible from all roads into the area and on several public transport routes, the site was having a significant negative impact on West Derby's reputation.  Beyond this, the local community needed the space to serve them better.

Places like the recently redeveloped Mab Lane Youth Centre and the three local schools, as well as local residents and businesses, all wanted an area that they could be proud of and use with confidence.

What Newlands did at Mab Lane

- It was the aspirations of local people that have made Mab Lane come alive, with more trees, artwork, spaces for sport, allotments and orchards.

To launch the project, 20,000 trees - one for each person who attended the Capital of Culture launch event - were planted at Mab Lane between 2009 and 2010.  But it was the aspirations of local people that made the new woodland come alive, with more trees, artwork, spaces for sport allotments and orchards, creating a site that would genuinely improve the quality of life for locals.

The site had new drainage installed, wildflower meadows and networks of native trees, seasonal wetland areas, as well as a community orchard - all of which act to enhance the biodiversity and improve perceptions of West Derby.

Sculptures, designed by local school children working with artist, John Merrill, were installed across the site.  Footpaths were repaired to provide pedestrian access to local amenities.

Mab Lane today

- Mab Lane is a high quality and well-managed community woodland that provides an appropriate celebration and legacy for Capital of Culture 2008.

Mab Lane is a high quality and well-managed community woodland that provides an appropriate celebration and legacy for Capital of Culture 2008.

As a community woodland, it's an attractive link between the two local authority borders - Liverpool City Council and Knowsley Metropolitan City Council.

Mab Lane is a welcoming place that minimises opportunities for anti-social behaviour and can be used for positive activities including education, health walks and cycling, as well as art trails and community events.