Arbortec Forestwear and Raise Join Forces for a Healthier Future
At Raise, we believe woodlands should be for everyone. That means creating spaces where everyone can safely connect, contribute, and belong. It’s why we’re so excited to partner with Arbortec Forestwear, a company that shares our commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and care for people who work with the land.
Together, we aim to make forest culture more accessible and inclusive, helping Cumbrian communities connect with the landscapes, and each other.
A Shared Vision: Connecting People and Trees
Raise: Cumbria Community Forest might be young, launched in 2022, but it’s part of a much bigger story. We’re one of England’s Community Forests, a network which goes back over 30 years and now forms the biggest environmental regeneration initiative in England. We work in partnership with local communities, landowners, and businesses to help nature recover and bring green spaces into people's lives.
We don’t see forests as isolated patches of trees, we see them as networks of woodlands and green spaces that weave through towns and neighbourhoods, with the potential to support learning, healing, creativity, and climate action.
Our partnership with Arbortec is a key part of this vision, supporting forestry not just as a trade, but as a living culture that is rooted community.
Who We Are: More Than Trees
Raise is not just about planting trees, we’re committed to reimagining what woodlands can be: more inclusive, more creative, and more connected to the ways people truly experience the world. As a neurodivergent-led organisation, we centre neurodivergent perspectives to help reshape environmental action and leadership, to create stronger ecosystems and more inclusive communities.
Through Raise: Cumbria Community Forest, covering 1,300 square miles and guided by a 25-year vision for healthier treescapes and fairer access, we champion community-led woodland creation, stewardship, nature-based health initiatives, and cultural engagement - offering funding and practical support to bring these ideas to life.
About Arbortec Forestwear
Arbortec Forestwear goes beyond high-quality protective gear. Their focus on durability and sustainability align closely with our values, and they care deeply about the wellbeing of people who work with the land.
Our conversations often focus on how forest culture supports community wellness, a topic that sits at the heart of our partnership.
Why This Partnership Matters
Together, we’re committed to making forestry safer and more accessible, as well as working towards a future where people’s wellbeing and the health of our woodlands go hand in hand.
Here’s what we’ll be working on together:
Equipping communities involved in planting and woodland care with the right tools and knowledge to work safely and confidently.
Co-designing inclusive woodland programmes, led by neurodivergent participants, to create better and fairer access for all.
Celebrating forest culture through arts and storytelling, weaving together past and present, and inspiring visions of a greener, healthier future.
Rethinking What a Forest Can Be
We see trees as so much more than carbon storage and flood defence. We see them as central to the wellbeing of our communities.
Research shows well-planned woodlands:
Help improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
Support physical wellbeing, lowering risks of respiratory disease, heart failure, and more.
Offer rich places for learning and play, especially for children and young people.
Build stronger communities through shared experiences, local pride, and care.
Boost local economies, from property values to supporting jobs in agroforestry.
Through this partnership, we want to help open up these benefits across Cumbria, especially in places where access to green space is limited.
A Forest That Belongs to Everyone
Co-creation is at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to listening, building opportunities, and championing voices that are often overlooked.
Partnering with Arbortec is a meaningful step towards making forestry safer and more inclusive. Their gear protects people working in woodlands, while our work helps to connect communities to those woods.
What’s Next?
In the coming months, Raise and Arbortec will be co-hosting forest days, training sessions, community planting events, and creative projects that bring people closer to their landscapes and to each other.
Look out for:
New forest hubs stocked with safety gear and learning resources.
Workshops and exhibitions led by artists inspired by trees and forestry.
Stories shining a light on the people behind the trees.
Having a partner like Arbortec with us is a huge step for towards our vision of creating a thriving network of trees and people across Cumbria.
We’re not just growing trees - we’re growing a community forest culture.
Get Involved
Want to learn more, get involved, or support Raise: Cumbria Community Forest? Read more here.
Explore Arbortec Forestwear’s commitment to sustainability and safe forestry at arbortec.com
Look out for future events, and get in touch if you’d like to volunteer or collaborate.