In response to the climate and biodiversity crises, we want to help our communities to plant one tree, or one metre of hedgerow, for every resident. This means planting a quarter of a million trees over a five-year period.
Trees have various benefits for climate, biodiversity and communities, such as:
- absorbing and storing carbon
- providing shade and shelter
- increasing biodiversity and enhancing landscapes
- capturing air pollution and improving air quality
- improving water quality
- reducing soil erosion
- reducing flooding risk
Progress
To date, we have planted more than 140,000 trees. This represents 56% of the total required to achieve our goal of One Tree per Resident.
This progress has been delivered through:
- the Free Trees for Residents scheme
- planting carried out by community groups through various grant funded opportunities
- key partners delivering tree and hedgerow planting schemes
Partners
Our current partners include:
- RAISE: Cumbria Community Forest
- Lake District National Park Authority
- Yorkshire Dales National Park
- North Pennines National Landscape
- Friends of the Lake District
- Woodland Trust
Our projects
Community orchards
We’ve supported the creation of several community orchards across Westmorland and Furness.
Through the Coronation Living Heritage Fund, local groups planted around 600 fruit trees in 2023 and 2024. These orchards bring people together, provide local food, and create green spaces.
Micro woodlands
Micro woodlands are compact but high-impact clusters of trees. They grow quickly, boost biodiversity and bring nature closer to where people live. This style of planting is based on the Miyawaki Method.
With the support from the Coronation Living Heritage Fund, community groups planted over 4,500 trees in 2023 and 2024.
Community tree and hedgerow grants
Our Community Tree and Hedgerow Planting Fund has helped local groups:
- strengthen wildlife corridors
- enhance landscapes
- support community-led environmental action
Nine groups were awarded funding in 2024 and 2025, enabling the planting of nearly 2,000 trees.
Greening the Council Estate
The Greening the Council Estate scheme aims to increase tree planting on council-owned land. This is especially around existing buildings and community assets.
Elmhurst Residential Care Home and Christian Head Residential Home have planted new commemorative trees on their grounds.
Free Trees for Residents
Our Free Trees for Residents scheme gives people living in Westmorland and Furness the opportunity to plant their own trees at home.
During winter 2025 to 2026, we launched the Free Trees for Residents initiative for the first time. It saw over 2,000 applications and 58,440 saplings given to the local community.
Council teams
Our own Council teams deliver tree planting. So far, these teams have planted 6,300 trees.
How to get involved
Upcoming opportunities
This section will be updated when new opportunities are available. Please check back for updates.
Contact us
Email: futuretrees@cumbria.gov.uk