A West Cumbrian conservation charity has been handed £1.9 million from the National Lottery for an ambitious four-year project for a woodland.
Wilder Walkmill, at Walkmill Community Woodland in Moresby, near Whitehaven, aims to enhance the natural and industrial heritage of the site creating a wildlife-rich tranquil space from which people can explore.
West Cumbria Rivers Trust’s project, which is £2.6 million in total, promises to create a vibrant community of users by improving access, offering regular recreation, wellbeing and family events, and providing opportunities for people to form a deeper understanding of nature and the unique history of the site.
It has also been supported by the Environment Agency, received match funding of £200,000 from Sellafield Ltd SiX – Social Multiplied Impact Programme – and donations of trees from the Woodland Trust.
Staff, eight apprentices and volunteers will co-ordinate the scheme and plans include river restoration work, woodland management, meadow restoration, the creation of a new community tree and wildflower nursery, play elements for children, a new dog agility area, as well as footpath improvements and new interpretation boards.
Activities will include guided walks, family days and activities, training programmes, along with regular green gym sessions and green social prescribing.
Collaboration is a big part of the vision with plans for the interpretation features to be co-created with local residents, local schools, mining interest groups and volunteers.
The cash has come from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Jodie Mills, the trust’s director, said: “It’s amazing news to be awarded a second round of funding for Walkmill.
“Already this community resource is paying dividends for nature and the community who love it, but the huge ambitions we, and our partners at Moresby Parish Council, had for the site can now be realised and provide the people of this community with an exceptional, vibrant and inspiring place which will benefit them in so many ways.”
