More than 92,000 trees were planted across Cumbria during the 2025-26 planting season through Raise: Cumbria Community Forest, creating 106 hectares of new woodland that will help restore nature, capture carbon, reduce flood risk and create healthier places for people to enjoy.
22 Woodland Creation Projects Across The County
Working with farmers, landowners, community organisations, local authorities and delivery partners, Raise supported the delivery of 22 woodland creation projects across Cumbria between November 2025 and March 2026, the traditional tree planting season. 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 people who use it.
Case Study: Cockan Farm, Frizington
This year's projects demonstrate how woodland creation can support a wide range of ambitions. At sites including Cockan Farm, new woodland has been integrated into a working farm to strengthen biodiversity, improve natural flood management and create more resilient landscapes. Across the county, Raise has worked with landowners to develop schemes that balance environmental, agricultural and community priorities.
A Neuro-Affirming Approach to Volunteering
Alongside woodland creation, Raise engaged 748 people through planting events, creative activities and its neuro-affirming volunteer programme. Raise is helping more people take part in practical conservation by designing volunteering around flexibility, choice and accessibility, enabling people to build skills, confidence and stronger connections with nature.
“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.”
Grants Covering Up To 100% Of Woodland Creation Costs
Raise offers grants covering up to 100% of woodland creation costs, including planting, infrastructure and long-term establishment. The 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.
Planning is already underway for the 2026-27 planting season, and Raise welcomes enquiries from landowners, farmers and community organisations interested in creating woodland on their land.
Interested In Creating Woodland On Your Land?
Find out more about Raise: Cumbria Community Forest and how to get involved in the 2026-27 planting season.
Visit Raise Cumbria