More than 92,000 trees planted across Cumbria in the 2025-26 planting season
Raise: Cumbria Community Forest has marked another successful planting season, with more than 92,000 trees planted across Cumbria, creating 106 hectares of new woodland that will benefit both people and nature for generations to come.
Between November 2025 and March 2026, Raise worked alongside farmers, landowners, community organisations, local authorities and delivery partners to deliver 22 woodland creation projects across the county. From productive farmland and flood-prone landscapes to schools, community spaces and nature reserves, each project was designed to reflect the character of the site and the needs of the people who use it.
Creating woodlands that work for people and nature
This year's projects demonstrate how carefully designed woodland creation can support biodiversity, improve natural flood management, strengthen working farms and create healthier, more resilient landscapes.
At sites including Cockan Farm in Frizington, new woodland has been integrated into working farmland to help improve biodiversity while supporting the long-term resilience of the landscape. Across Cumbria, Raise has continued to work closely with landowners to develop schemes that balance environmental, agricultural and community priorities.
The programme forms part of the Trees for Climate initiative, delivered by England's Community Forests and funded by Defra. This year's programme was delivered in partnership with organisations including Eden Rivers Trust, West Cumbria Rivers Trust, Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council, whose expertise and local knowledge helped bring woodland creation projects to life across the county.
Putting communities at the heart of woodland creation
Woodland creation is about more than planting trees. It's also about creating opportunities for people to connect with nature and shape the landscapes around them.
During the 2025-26 season, Raise engaged 748 people through planting events, creative activities and its neuro-affirming volunteer programme. By designing volunteering around flexibility, choice and accessibility, we're helping more people take part in practical conservation, build skills and confidence, and develop stronger connections with nature.
James Cobbold, Director of Raise: Cumbria Community Forest, said:
"Every woodland we create starts with understanding the people and the place. This year's projects show that woodland creation isn't simply about planting trees. It's about working with landowners and communities to create landscapes that are better for wildlife, support farming, improve resilience to climate change and provide places where everyone can connect with nature.
"That same thinking shapes how we work with people. By taking a neuro-affirming approach to volunteering and community engagement, we're creating more opportunities for people to contribute in ways that work for them, while helping build stronger, more connected communities around these new woodlands."
Looking ahead
Since launching in 2022, Raise has now planted more than 432,000 trees across Cumbria, creating lasting environmental and social benefits through partnerships with landowners, communities and organisations across the county.
Planning is already underway for the 2026-27 planting season. Raise offers grants covering up to 100% of woodland creation costs, including planting, infrastructure and long-term establishment. Our team works with landowners from the first conversation through to planting, providing technical expertise and community engagement support to develop schemes that work for both people and nature.
If you're a landowner, farmer or community organisation interested in creating woodland, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to find out how we can help turn your ideas into reality.