Ambitious plans to take the total number of new trees planted at a Cumbrian nature reserve to more than 15,000 are being brought to life with the support of local community volunteers.
Staff from the Lake District Wildlife Park have been leading the tree-planting initiative at the four-hectare Whitebecks Woodland, which is part of the Armathwaite Hall Estate, over the past ten years. The site has already seen well over ten thousand small shrubs and trees planted in conjunction with Cumbria Woodlands and United Utilities. Now, the work is again moving up a gear.
Cumbria-based community group Diggin’ the Trees was among those who helped to plant an additional 1,000 oak and ash trees earlier this month. The next phase of the project this Saturday 29 February will see local Explorer Scouts working alongside The Wildlife Park’s Conservation Volunteer group to plant a further 1,500 saplings.
Ultimately, it’s hoped the ever-expanding woodland will help attract more native species ranging from red squirrels to bats and tawny owls.
Lake District Wildlife Park Manager, Richard Robinson, says, “Restoring habitats for wild animals and plants is an important part of the work we do at the Wildlife Park. Whitebecks Woodland borders another site of semi-ancient woodland and also leads down to the river, which is a natural haven for native wildlife including kingfishers and otters.
“With the enthusiasm and support of the local community, we will continue nurturing this rich habitat and helping it to flourish for many years to come. We are still on the lookout for both individuals and small groups or businesses to help with this vital work, and are always glad to hear from new potential volunteers.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Conservation Volunteer at the Lake District Wildlife Park should contact Lucy Dunn on 017687 76239 or [email protected]
