Back in 2021 DEFRA announced that they had given the green light to the development of a coastal forest in Cumbria. This was great news because once established, the forest will help the battle against the collapse in biodiversity and establish a store of carbon during the lifetime of the forest. It is hoped that up to 150 hectares of trees will be planted, with the equivalent of one tree planted for every resident in Copeland, Barrow and Allerdale over the next five years.
According to the Cumbria County Council website “the aim is to create a minimum of 5,000 hectares of new woodland along a 56 mile stretch of the western coast of Cumbria over the next 25 years – that’s the size of almost 7,000 football pitches.
“By growing trees where they are most needed, corridors of woodlands will be created along the west coast of Cumbria, from Barrow to Carlisle, which will better connect coastal communities to nature. This will help people to enjoy the benefits of being out close to trees and woodlands, enhance biodiversity and provide resilience to help reduce the effects of climate change, such as flooding and drought, on local communities through carbon capture, and nature-based solutions.”
The website continues “Ultimately, the aim is to create a minimum of 5,000 hectares of new woodland along a 56 mile stretch of the western coast of Cumbria over the next 25 years – that’s the size of almost 7,000 football pitches. By growing trees where they are most needed, corridors of woodlands will be created along the west coast of Cumbria, from Barrow to Carlisle, which will better connect coastal communities to nature. This will help people to enjoy the benefits of being out close to trees and woodlands, enhance biodiversity and provide resilience to help reduce the effects of climate change, such as flooding and drought, on local communities through carbon capture, and nature-based solutions.”
This is a fantastic initiative. Today, 10th March 2023, it was reported that almost 400 trees were planted by schoolchildren in Hensingham, at Rosebank Recreation Ground.
The tree planting event, hosted by Copeland Borough Council, brought together pupils from Hensingham Primary School, local councillors, the local community and partners in the planting of 383 trees, around 0.7 hectares.
The Your Cumbria website goes on the report …….
The Community Forest is funded by Defra’s Trees for Climate Fund and is a partnership project being led by Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Woodlands, in close working with other local councils including Allerdale Borough Council, Barrow Borough Council, Carlisle City Council and Copeland Borough Council. It is also being supported by a range of other organisations including Art Gene, The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, The National Trust and Britain’s Energy Coast.
Councillor Celia Tibble, Cumbria County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“It has been wonderful to be here today with pupils from Hensingham Primary School as well as members of the local community to help plant so many trees and mark the first planting event of the season. Trees are vital in our fight against climate change and this scheme will also help connect local people with local nature.
“This is just the start of a wider programme of activity planned for the Forest this year which will see thousands of trees planted at sites along the western coast of the county, from Barrow in the south, to Carlisle in the north.”
Councillor Andy Pratt, Copeland Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment, Place and Inclusive Communities, added:
“We are delighted to be involved in the community forest planting. It’s a fantastic initiative that will benefit generations to come.
“In the coming years, it will provide a place for wildlife to thrive, whilst reducing the effects of climate change and providing natural solutions to mitigate flooding and drought.
“It’s great to see so many young residents getting involved in creating a greener future.”
You can learn more about England’s Community Forests by clicking here
Ronnie Auld – Cumbria in Bloom 10th March 2023
