A conservation project which will generate a number of new jobs is to receive £500,000 to increase woodland creation in Cumbria.
Woodland Futures, a partnership project being delivered by the Lake District Foundation and Cumbria Woodlands, will receive £499,800 from the Trees Call to Action Fund.
The project will connect those that own and manage land by providing advice, information, training, and coordination between different organisations with the goal of supporting woodlands across Cumbria.
It will run for three years until March 2025 and aims to increase woodland creation and manage existing woodlands.
Several new jobs will be created as part of the project, with staff employed by The Lake District Foundation and managed by Cumbria Woodlands.
Neville Elstone, director of Cumbria Woodlands, said: “This is a hugely exciting project. Cumbria Woodlands has been encouraging, supporting and advising landowners for over 30 years. Woodland Futures allows us to continue to do this vital work while engaging new audiences and helping to secure the future of woodlands in Cumbria.”
Sarah Swindley, chief executive Lake District Foundation, said: “This funding is a fantastic boost to woodlands in Cumbria. Woodland Futures will develop partnerships with the common goal of protecting our woodlands and creating a better future for them.
“It is also extremely timely as this new project comes off the back of severe winter storms which have damaged woodlands and hedgerows across Cumbria.”
Woodland Futures is one of 12 projects taking place nationwide that has been awarded a grant from the £6 million Trees Call to Action Fund, led by Defra, the Forestry Commission and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Trees Call to Action Fund supports projects which protect trees and woodlands, boost forestry skills and jobs, develop woodland creation partnerships and engage communities with nature. The fund will distribute grants of between £250,000 to £500,000 to be spent over three years.
