Cumbria Wildlife Trust has joined forces with a tree nursery to grow seedlings which will eventually become part of a new Atlantic rainforest at Skiddaw Forest.
The wildlife charity is supplying locally-sourced seeds which will be processed, planted and nurtured by volunteers at the tree nursery at Growing Well Tebay.
The 1.4-acre kitchen garden at Tebay Services on the M6 supports people experiencing mental ill health to activate their own recovery and live a healthier life.
Over 20 native species are being grown for Skiddaw Forest at the Tebay nursery, including aspen, downy birch, hawthorn, oak, rowan and yew.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust will then buy the seedlings from Growing Well, for planting out on what is England’s highest nature reserve.
It is a 100-year vision which will see temperate rainforests restored to areas where they once grew, in high rainfall western parts of the British Isles.
Rowan Sharpe, community tree grower at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the therapeutic horticultural charity Growing Well.
“For us, it’s not just about putting trees on Skiddaw — it’s about doing it together with the local community, involving people every step of the way, from seed to tree.
“Partnering with Growing Well means we can have a real, positive impact on people’s lives. Growing plants, getting your hands in the soil — it all has such a powerful effect on mental health, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.
“We aim to grow all the trees for Skiddaw here in Cumbria through a network of community nurseries, including the aptly named Treebay at Growing Well, Tebay.
“Using locally collected seed, sorted and grown by volunteers, we’re developing nurseries across Cumbria to produce the thousands of seedlings needed for the project.
“Our goal is to establish around 300,000 trees at Skiddaw, which means planting at least 600,000 to allow for natural losses due to the site’s height and exposure. We’re looking forward to seeing the first seedlings come up at Treebay and hopefully, by next autumn, being planted out on site.”
Paul Cambre, head of horticulture at Growing Well Tebay, said: “We are excited to grow and supply trees for Skiddaw Forest in partnership with Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
“This project allows our beneficiaries to expand their horticultural knowledge whilst improving their mental health and leaving a lasting impact in their communities. Indeed, many of our beneficiaries have shared their excitement in knowing their hard work is going towards a place they all know and love.
“From seed collection through to final planting, Growing Well beneficiaries will be involved in every step working with Cumbria Wildlife Trust – developing practical skills, supporting their recovery, and contributing directly to Atlantic rainforest regeneration.
“In the short time we have been growing trees, it’s been incredibly rewarding seeing the positive impact it’s had on our beneficiaries knowing the long-term legacy they are helping to create.”
The Kendal-based organic farm and mental health charity Growing Well expanded to the second site at Tebay Services in 2022.
Growing Well Tebay aims to help 100 people a year in Eden and North Cumbria recover from mental health difficulties by volunteering there one day a week for up to a year.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust launched a successful appeal to buy Skiddaw Forest last year, which raised £1.25m.
The development of Skiddaw Forest near Keswick will see the restoration work across 3,000 acres of habitat, including just over 1,000 acres of peat bogs and the creation of 620 acres of Atlantic rainforest.
Prior to the fundraising campaign last September, Cumbria Wildlife Trust had already secured £5 million, thanks to a long-term partnership between The Wildlife Trusts and Aviva and additional support from charitable funders.
People can still donate to the Skiddaw Forest restoration appeal. Visit www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk
