A new project to help landowners create vital new woodland and unlock the economic benefits of forestry has been launched in Cumbria’s ‘forgotten lands’.
The government’s Tree Champion Sir William Worsley today visited forestry project Snowdon Close in the Gilsland, Brampton area to launch the pilot ‘Forestry Investment Zone’.
The government will trial a new approach in Cumbria’s ‘forgotten lands’ and work to encourage investment in the zone through measures such as the existing Countryside Stewardship and Woodland Carbon Fund grant schemes. A Forestry Investment Zone officer will also offer tailored support to businesses.
Government will also work with the forestry and timber processing industry to accelerate planting as new approaches to rural funding and payment for public goods are developed.
The pilot launch comes during Green GB Week, an annual week dedicated to highlighting the opportunities clean growth offers the UK – and raise understanding of how business and the public can contribute to tackling climate change.
Forestry Minister David Rutley said: “Planting more trees is central to our ambition to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it.
“This innovative new pilot project will not only help landowners realise the benefits of woodland creation, but also drive forward our commitment to plant 11 million trees.”
The Cumbria pilot is the first of its kind, with the ‘forgotten lands’ the perfect place to establish large-scale forestry projects in order to bring economic and environmental benefits to the area. The project will focus on productive forestry, landscape enhancement, farming and local employment.
During his visit to north east Cumbria, Tree Champion Sir William Worsley said: “It is wonderful to be in Cumbria today to see this exciting new pilot kick off and to witness what will hopefully be the beginning of widespread investment in the forestry sector.
“By making it easier for this area to be used for woodland creation we are not only helping the environment, but also giving the region a valuable economic boost.”
The Cumbria Forestry Investment Zone pilot is scheduled to run for two years, and will be used as a test-case for rolling out the initiative more widely around the country.
