Specialist crews will deploy drilling machinery and dig a series of trial holes to monitor groundwater conditions over time. The investigation is expected to take seven days to complete.

The woodland will remain open to visitors during the works, though some areas will be cordoned off to ensure safety. Development of the new cemetery infrastructure is anticipated to get under way later this year.

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The full site covers 20.14 hectares, with approximately 4.4 hectares — less than a quarter — earmarked to expand Knowsley Cemetery's provision.

The remainder of the Whiston Woods site will continue to serve as community woodland, with 92% of the existing woodland retained.

Fox's Bank Cemetery, which borders Whiston Woods, is nearing full capacity. To secure sufficient burial space for the years ahead, additional land has been acquired so local residents can continue to lay loved ones to rest close to home.