People are being invited to help plant over 3,000 trees at Westlakes Science Park this spring.
Property manager and developer BEC are asking members of the local community to visit the park near Whitehaven and help plant one of 3,250 trees and hedges to improve the grounds and encourage more wildlife.
Each planting slot will last around an hour and groups of up to six are welcome. Children are also able to attend accompanied by an adult and the activity is open to schools, groups and individuals.
All the equipment and tools needed will be provided on arrival but people are also reminded to wrap up warm and remember gloves and wellies.
BEC first started planting trees back in 2021 after it set a goal to protect and improve the natural habitat at Westlakes Science Park.
With the help of volunteers over 2,500 trees were planted in late 2021 as part of The Queens Green Canopy – a national initiative to plant trees across the nation.
Following the success of that project and with the help of Cumbria’s Coastal Community Forest funding, BEC are continuing the planting with the further 3,250 trees this March and April.
Cumbria’s Coastal Community Forest is being led by Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Woodlands, and The National Trust, in close partnership with other local councils including Barrow Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council and Allerdale Borough Council.
It is being supported by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and a range of other organisations including Art Gene Authority and BEC.
BEC head of programmes Sam Beardmore said: “‘We’re thrilled to have secured funding from Cumbria’s Coastal Community Forest to enable this year’s planting project. Their support and guidance have played a vital role in shaping the project and ultimately providing the opportunity for our tenants and local community to get involved.
“We are incredibly grateful to the amazing volunteers who supported this project last time. They loved taking part and our team here at BEC welcomed the opportunity to take part and engage with local people on this exciting activity. We want to give people the opportunity to get involved again and be part of something truly special.
“This time we’ll be planting trees and hedgerows, both of which provide a huge range of benefits to help our wildlife thrive. I urge you to book a slot to not only join us in leaving a legacy, but to also to find out why we, at BEC, are so passionate about improving and protecting biodiversity at Westlakes.”
Those interesting in booking a large group slot can contact Sam on 01946 595200.
A planting slot can be booked at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-queens-green-canopy-plant-a-tree-in-2023-at-westlakes-science-park-tickets-
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-queens-green-canopy-plant-a-tree-in-2023-at-westlakes-science-park-tickets-549227944567?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or give them a call.