Cumbria Plants 92,000 Trees to Fight Climate Change

More than 92,000 trees now stand where bare ground once stretched across Cumbria, thanks to a massive community reforestation push that wrapped up this March.

The Raise: Cumbria Community Forest project completed 22 woodland projects between November and March, transforming 106 hectares of farmland, flood zones, school grounds, and community spaces into thriving forests. Each new woodland was designed specifically for its location, working with farmers and landowners to create forests that serve multiple purposes.

"Every woodland we create starts with understanding the people and the place," said James Cobbold, director of the community forest. The trees aren't just about climate action, they're about building landscapes where wildlife thrives, farms remain productive, and people can reconnect with nature.

At Cockan Farm in Frizington, new woodlands now boost biodiversity while managing floodwaters naturally. Students at Mayfield School in Workington and Whitehaven got their hands dirty planting trees on their own campuses. Around Hammonds Pond in Carlisle, fresh saplings will grow into carbon-capturing forests that make the area more resilient to extreme weather.

The Ripple Effect

The project reached far beyond just putting trees in the ground. Throughout the planting season, 748 people joined volunteer events and activities, including a neuro-affirming program designed to make tree planting accessible to everyone in the community.

The initiative shows how climate solutions work best when they solve multiple problems at once. These new woodlands will capture carbon for decades while reducing flood risks that threaten homes and farms. They create habitats for struggling wildlife species while giving families green spaces to explore and enjoy.

The Trees for Climate initiative funding this work partners England's Community Forests with local groups like the Eden Rivers Trust, West Cumbria Rivers Trust, and regional councils. By bringing together environmental organizations, government support, and local knowledge, the project proves that landscape-scale change happens when communities lead the effort.

Each of those 92,000 trees represents a small act of hope that adds up to real climate action and healthier communities for generations to come.