More Than 92,000 Trees Planted Across Cumbria in Major Woodland Programme

More than 92,000 trees have been planted across Cumbria as part of a major programme to create new woodlands, support wildlife and reduce the effects of climate change.

Raise: Cumbria Community Forest supported 22 projects between November 2025 and March 2026. Together, the schemes have created around 106 hectares of new woodland—an area equal to roughly 148 full-sized football pitches.

The trees were planted on farmland, nature reserves, school grounds and community land. Some projects were also placed in landscapes at risk of flooding.

ow Could the New Trees Help Cumbria in the Long Term?

The full benefits of the planting programme will not be seen straight away. The 92,000 trees are still young and will initially absorb only small amounts of carbon dioxide. However, their impact should increase as they grow and the new woodlands become established.

A commonly used estimate suggests that a mature tree can absorb around 22kg of carbon dioxide each year. If all 92,000 trees survived and reached a suitable size, they could eventually absorb about 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Healthy trees also release oxygen through photosynthesis. Some estimates suggest that two mature trees can produce enough oxygen to match the annual needs of one person. On that basis, 92,000 established trees could produce an amount comparable to that used by approximately 46,000 people each year.

Oxygen production is only one part of the programme’s value. Over the coming decades, the trees could:

• Create larger and better-connected habitats for birds, insects and mammals
• Capture increasing amounts of carbon as their trunks, branches and roots grow
• Improve soil health and reduce erosion
• Slow rainwater before it reaches rivers and communities
• Provide shade and shelter during hotter or more extreme weather
• Give residents more opportunities to enjoy woodland and nature

These benefits will take time to develop and will depend on the species planted, local conditions, survival rates and ongoing care. However, with suitable protection and management, the new woodlands could continue helping Cumbria’s wildlife, landscape and communities for generations.

Where Were the Trees Planted?

The 92,000 trees were spread across 22 locations rather than planted in one large forest. Raise works throughout Cumbria, with its community forest focused mainly around the county’s urban areas and a broad corridor running from Carlisle to Barrow.

One of the named projects was at Cockan Farm near Frizington. New woodland was added to the working farm to create habitats, improve flood management and make the surrounding landscape more resilient.

Other planting activity during the season included approximately 650 trees at Irton Memorial Garden. Volunteers planted hedgerows and groups of trees on land that will eventually become a new graveyard for the community.

Work also took place at Low Skelgill, where volunteers helped plant a woodland shelter belt and took part in biodiversity monitoring.

A ceremonial tree was planted at Hammond’s Pond in Carlisle during the season to mark the ten-millionth tree milestone achieved by England’s wider Trees for Climate programme. More planting is planned at the site in future years.

Raise has not published a complete public list identifying all 22 sites within its summary. This may be because several projects are located on privately owned farms or other land without general public access.

Trees Could Help Reduce Flood Risk

Some of the projects have been designed to improve natural flood management.

Trees and other vegetation can slow the movement of rainwater across the ground. Their roots can help water soak into the soil, while woodland may also reduce erosion and the amount of sediment entering rivers.

These measures cannot prevent every flood. However, when used alongside other flood defences, planting in suitable locations can help slow the flow of water reaching rivers and communities.

This could be especially valuable in parts of Cumbria that have experienced repeated flooding during severe storms.

Benefits for Farms and Local Communities

The Cockan Farm project shows how woodland can be included within productive farmland rather than replacing farming altogether.

Trees can provide shelter for livestock, protect soil and make farms more resilient to extreme weather. New woodland may also allow landowners to make better use of difficult, exposed or frequently waterlogged areas.

Community planting can provide benefits for people too. Accessible woodland and green spaces can offer places to walk, exercise and spend time outdoors.

Raise involved 748 people through planting events, creative projects and its neuro-affirming volunteering programme. The programme is designed to give people more choice and flexibility when taking part in conservation.

More Than 432,000 Trees Planted Since 2022

Raise reports that more than 432,000 trees have now been planted across Cumbria since the organisation launched in 2022.

It works with farmers, landowners, councils, community organisations and other partners. Grants can cover up to 100 per cent of eligible woodland creation costs, including planting, infrastructure and support while the trees become established.

Planning is already underway for the 2026–27 planting season, with farmers, landowners and community groups invited to express an interest.

The success of the projects will now depend on the young trees being protected and maintained as they grow. If properly managed, the new woodland could continue supporting Cumbria’s wildlife, communities and flood resilience for decades.

Sources: Arbortec’s planting-season report and Raise: Cumbria Community Forest.