THE accounting firm Grant Thornton’s recent report highlights nine ‘growth corridors’ in England, including one stretching from Liverpool to Leeds and taking in Warrington.

Indications are that both healthy economic development and population growth are taking place. Both of these factors can put pressure on the environment if they are not properly managed.

Having a strong green environment is important for both health and morale and in the north west we have some good forest provision. Well-managed woodland can be a source of employment through tourism and leisure industries, a resource for industry and may help to provide natural relief for problems such as localised flooding.

The Mersey Forest, which stretches from Chester up to Formby, across to Warrington and down past Northwich is an important regional feature with widespread benefits for communities.

Just as it is important to invest in infrastructure for business and communities it is also important to develop environmental diversity and resource in the north west.

While our regional businesses are enjoying good conditions for growth, it will be interesting to see how many are responsible in balancing their investment with concern for the environment.

Long-term it makes solid financial sense for us all.

LAWRENCE Bellamy is associate dean at the University of Chester's Padgate campus and writes a regular column for the business pages.