Raise: Cumbria Community Forest has marked the start of the new planting season with the first trees going into the ground in Cleator Moor.
Pupils from Montreal CofE Primary School and Cumberland Councillor Michael Eldon joined Raise’s team to celebrate the beginning of this new community woodland at Ehenside.
The site, owned by Cumberland Council, has been developed in partnership with the council and local residents.
Over the past two years, community consultation – through Raise’s drop-in sessions and Raise Collective engagement events – has played a vital role in shaping the design of the site. These conversations confirmed local support for creating new woodland and gave residents the chance to share ideas for how the land could be used and enjoyed.
Next week, West House members will also join the planting effort, continuing the community involvement that has guided the project from the start.
“We’ve been really encouraged by the feedback and ideas shared through the consultation process,” said James Cobbold, director at Raise. “It’s exciting to see the first trees planted in a space that has been genuinely shaped by local voices.”
Cumberland councillor for Cleator Moor, Michael Eldon, said: “It’s fantastic to se the first trees going into the ground at Cleator Moor.
“I grew up in this area and used to play on this very land as a child, so it’s fantastic to see an underused area being transformed into something positive for the community.
“This woodland will give my children and others a place to enjoy nature for years to come.”
“This project is also great example of what can be achieved when the council, local residents, and partners work together. This is a true community achievement – shaped by local voices and built on shared ideas, creating a space everyone can be proud of.”
Raise’s work focuses on creating accessible green spaces, supporting climate resilience, and fostering inclusive participation – particularly through a neurodivergent-led approach that values diverse ways of working with land and community.
