Westmorland and Furness Residents to Receive One Tree Each in Climate Action Push

In a major push for climate action, the Westmorland and Furness Council is launching an ambitious tree-planting initiative to provide one tree for each of its 228,000 residents over the next 5 years. The council has already planted 40,000 trees and hedgerows, and is now moving to the next phase of the project.

The council is trialing the Miyawaki method, a Japanese approach to creating fast-growing, dense native woodlands. These "micro-woodlands" can establish in just a few years, providing rich biodiversity and natural resilience. The council has already planted such micro-woodlands in areas including Barrow and Kendal cemeteries and Ormsgill Quarry.

To further the greening efforts, the council is now encouraging residents and community groups to apply for tree and hedge packs containing 105 saplings of native species like Crab Apple, Field Maple, and Hawthorn. The deadline to apply is November 30th, and the council has so far spent £150,000 on the project.

"The One Tree per Resident project is a major part of our commitment to a greener future, empowering our communities to make a real difference," said Councillor Giles Archibald, the council's cabinet member for climate. With many active and involved communities in the region, the council hopes to see widespread participation in this initiative to mitigate the impact of climate change.