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 reaching this major 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, recognising the role of local communities in the success of the programme.
The tree was planted on 24 March by Chair of Cumberland Council, Councillor Andy Semple, alongside James Cobbold, Director at Raise, with support from Jon May, Green Spaces Team Leader at Cumberland Council, and Gary Waters, Lead Forester at Raise.
Gary Waters, Cllr Andy Semple, James Cobbold and Jon May plant the ceremonial tree at Hammond’s Pond.
Cllr Semple said: “Cumberland Council is delighted to support Cumbria Community Forest’s local Forest Plan. The planting at Hammond’s Pond is a great example of how tree planting enhances green spaces for residents, supports nature recovery, and provides educational and recreational opportunities for the community.”
James Cobbold, Director at Raise, added: “This planting shows how trees in everyday green spaces can benefit communities and nature together. We are proud to deliver this work in partnership with local people, councils, and programme partners, helping to make woodland creation accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone.”
Since 2020, the Trees for Climate has supported the planting of over 10 million trees across England, creating thousands of hectares of new woodland, improving biodiversity, capturing carbon, and making green spaces more accessible.
Further planting is planned at Hammond’s Pond over the coming years, helping to shape the future of the site as part of the Cumbria Community Forest.
At Raise, we focus on creating accessible green spaces, supporting climate resilience, and fostering inclusive participation, particularly through a neurodivergent-led approach that values different ways of working with land and community.
Thinking about planting trees on your land?
Raise: Cumbria Community Forest can support landowners and farmers with advice, funding, and practical help to create new woodland in Cumbria. Get in touch.
About the programmes supporting this work
Raise: Cumbria Community Forest is one of England’s 15 Community Forests, which lead the Trees for Climate programme alongside strategic delivery partners the National Trust, Woodland Trust, and Community Forest Trust. The programme is Government-funded and part of Defra’s national Nature for Climate Fund.
Trees for Climate provides advice, grants, and practical support to landowners, farmers, and communities to plant trees and create new woodlands.