News
This is where we share the latest stories, project updates and reflections from across the Cumbria Community Forest.
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What We’ve Learned This Planting Season
This planting season has been one of our busiest yet, alongside new partnerships and ways of working. Across the season, we’ve worked with a wide range of partners and communities. Now, as the season comes to a close, our team has been reflecting on what we’ve learned along the way…
A Ceremonial 10 Millionth Tree Planted in Carlisle
A milestone has been reached across England, with 10 million trees planted through the Trees for Climate programme. To celebrate the milestone, a ceremonial 10 millionth tree has been planted in each of England's 15 Community Forests. Cumbria’s ceremonial tree was planted at Hammond’s Pond, Carlisle…
Why We Don’t Always Plant Native Trees
We are often asked why we don’t only plant native trees.
It’s a good question, because native species play a vital role in Cumbria’s landscapes. They support wildlife that has evolved alongside them, shape the character of our countryside, and connect us to long histories of land use and culture…
Growing in Forestry: Starting out
Kathryn recently joined Raise as our Apprentice Community Forester. Alongside her day-to-day role, she’ll be completing a Level 3 Forestry Crafts qualification in partnership with Myerscough College. Over the coming months, she will be joining Raise in our goal to centre neurodivergent perspectives in forestry…
Community Tree Planting Day - Cockan Farm
Join Raise and West Cumbria Rivers Trust for a community tree planting day on February 21, at Cockan Farm in Frizington. This is a hands-on day outdoors, helping to establish new trees while spending time with others from the local area.
The Benefits of Trees and Woodlands for Communities
Have you ever noticed how trees quietly shape the way a place feels? Beyond adding beauty, they influence how communities function, how people move through public spaces, and how we manage wellbeing…
First Trees of the Season Planted at Ehenside, Cleator Moor
Raise: Cumbria Community Forest has marked the start of the new planting season with the first trees going into the ground at Ehenside, 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.
Agroforestry for Economics
Agroforestry is a way of farming that works with nature, not against it. It means integrating trees into productive farmland so that they support the wider farming system rather than compete with it. From livestock shelterbelts to fruit trees in pasture, agroforestry is about seeing trees as part of the working landscape, delivering both environmental and economic value.
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