England’s Community Forests has reached a major milestone: planting 10 million trees across England through its 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. The ceremonial tree for Raise: Cumbria Community Forest 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.
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.”
“This planting shows how trees in everyday green spaces can benefit communities and nature together,” said James Cobbold, Director at Raise. “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, Trees for Climate has enabled communities, landowners, and local authorities to plant over 10 million trees, 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, as Raise continues to deliver Trees for Climate in partnership with local communities, landowners, and councils.
Raise’s work focuses 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.
Are you a landowner or farmer interested in planting trees on your land?
Raise: Cumbria Community Forest can provide advice, guidance, and support to help create new woodland in Cumbria. Visit www.raisecumbria.co.uk.