Local residents from Grizebeck and the surrounding area came together at a successful tree planting event to help create a lasting green legacy as part of the A595 improvement scheme.
The Council’s £23.3 million Department for Transport-funded scheme is delivering a new 0.8-mile single carriageway between Chapels and Grizebeck village. Once complete, the improvements will enhance safety, reduce journey times and improve resilience on one of Cumbria’s key transport routes.
Planting, landscaping and ecological protection are key elements of the project, with more than 31,000 trees, shrubs, hedgerow and aquatic plants set to be introduced by completion, helping to significantly enhance the local landscape and biodiversity.
Around 60 local residents from Grizebeck and surrounding areas came together to take part in the community planting day, adding nearly 500 trees and shrubs to the developing scheme.
Attendees were welcomed by the project team from Westmorland and Furness Council, who provided an overview of the wider programme using large-scale printed visuals showing the latest progress and planned stages of construction.
As part of the event, they were able to walk beneath the newly completed bridge and along the route of what will become the new A595 carriageway, which will pass behind the Grizebeck Community Hall. This offered a rare opportunity to experience the scheme from within the construction area and to see first-hand the measures taken to improve and protect the environment.
The trees planted represent local households, creating a shared contribution to the future landscape of Grizebeck and a lasting green legacy alongside the new road.
The event has supported Westmorland and Furness Council’s wider ambition to plant 250,000 trees over a five year period, equivalent to one tree for every resident, helping to strengthen natural habitats and support action on climate change across the area.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said:
“It’s fantastic to see the community playing a direct role in this scheme, with residents helping to shape the landscape they will see for years to come.
“As well as delivering vital improvements to safety and connectivity on this important route, we are also taking the opportunity to create a greener, more environmentally resilient corridor. These trees will not only enhance biodiversity and the local environment, but will stand as a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
The event was supported on the ground by crews from Ashlea Landscaping Ltd and Story Contracting, who worked closely with residents throughout the day to demonstrate correct planting techniques and explain how these help give each tree the best possible chance of survival.
The team provided insight into the range of native species being planted across the scheme and how these have been selected to support local biodiversity and long-term environmental resilience.
Andy Clode, Managing Director of Story Contracting’s Construction Division, said:
“It was brilliant to see so many local people out on site planting trees as part of this critical infrastructure project for the area. As well as being responsible for the successful construction of this project for Westmorland and Furness Council, we have worked closely with local communities and organisations to ensure long lasting and positive social value initiatives have been delivered. We would also like to thank the team from Ashlea who provided expert support and guidance on the day to all of the volunteers”.
Cllr Thornton continued: “I would like to extend my thanks to all the volunteers who gave up their time to take part and contribute so positively to the day, as well as to our brilliant contractors who helped make the event such a success. They ensured it was an enjoyable and well-supported experience for everyone involved.”
Significant construction milestones are also continuing to be achieved across the site. Major excavation works on Pen Hill are now complete, with around 90,000m³ of material moved, and the new accommodation bridge is now open, improving access across the scheme.
Work is also progressing on the farm underpass, while drainage systems are being installed and completed to manage surface water flows and help reduce flood risk.
The scheme remains on track for completion in summer 2026.
