Almost 400 trees have been planted in West Cumbria as part of the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest woodland creation scheme.
The tree planting, 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 at Rosebank Recreation Ground in Hensingham.
The scheme aims to increase woodland cover and connect some of the existing woodland areas in the hedge boundary of the site. The trees planted include a mix of broadleaf and smaller trees and shrubs.
It was the first tree planting event of the season with a further 20 hectares planned as part of a wider programme of activities for the forest.
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 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’s 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 great to see so many young residents getting involved in creating a greener future.”
