Cumberland Council is asking the Cleator Moor community for their feedback on the proposed plans to develop a wildlife site within their neighbourhood.

Funded by the Cumbria Community Forest (CCF), which has a vision to plant 150 hectares (or around 210 football pitches) nationally of trees over the next five years.

The woodlands and forests that will be planted, will capture around 32,910 tonnes of CO2 over the lifetime of the trees.

Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council’s executive member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said: “I am delighted that with the proposed plans for the Community Forest in Cleator Moor.

"Trees and woodlands are vital in our fight against climate change, and the Community Forest will not only help with decarbonisation but will also give the local community more opportunities to enjoy nature on their doorstep.

“It will also be somewhere that the locals will be able to use for day-to-day activities which has great benefits for physical and mental health.

“I would like to encourage the community to give their feedback on the online survey, which only takes five minutes to complete – or please pop into the drop-in session on Monday 13 November at the Rugby Club.”

The Community Forest in Cleator Moor's proposed plans include path improvement works, making the site more accessible, creating open spaces for recreational activities, and planting tree and wildflower pollinator zones.

The initiative will bring numerous benefits to the area, including having more diverse wildlife, the community will be able to actively get involved with the site, using it for leisure activities, including dog walking, and it will also help to increase cleaner air.

The council is inviting the community in Cleator Moor to share their thoughts on the proposed plans, by completing the online survey. Alternatively, residents can attend an informal drop-in session, scheduled as follows: Monday, November 13, drop-in anytime from 1pm to 7pm at Wath Brow Hornets Rugby Club, Cleator, CA23 3EW. 

Local member, councillor Michael Eldon, for Cleator Moor West, added: “I am very excited about this project, which was initially supported by the ex-County Councillor, Frank Morgan.  It means that we can transform this unused land into a new green space for the community.”

If members of the public have any questions, please email: futuretrees@cumberland.gov.uk.