Former Ehenside School site to be transformed into community forest

Ehenside School in Cleator Moor closed along with Egremont’s Wyndham School in August 2008 to form the new West Lakes Academy.

The Ehenside building was then demolished in 2009 after Cumbria County Council could find no other use for it.

Ehenside School demolition (Image: Alan Athersmith)

Now the Community Forest in Cleator Moor has proposed plans including path improvement works, making the site more accessible, creating open spaces for recreational activities, and planting trees and wildflower pollinator zones.

It is hoped the initiative will bring numerous benefits to the area, including having more diverse wildlife and the community will be able to actively get involved with the site.

A drop-in session was held in Wath Brow Hornets Rugby Club in Cleator earlier this month which was attended by the community who gave their feedback ahead of a planning application being submitted.

Bob Kelly, executive member for policy and regulatory services at Cumberland Council, said: “I would like to thank everyone who attended the drop-in session. It was excellent that so many people were there and had the opportunity to express their views.

“Trees and woodlands are vital in our fight against climate change, and the community forest will not only help our carbon footprint but will also give the local community more opportunities to enjoy nature on their doorstep.

“We will add all the feedback, to the proposed plans, and will be able to share this with the public, when the survey results are analysed. We are very much committed to the proposed community forest and want to work with the public to get it right and be mindful of the climate emergency as we continue to put health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.”

Michael Eldon, who represents Cleator Moor West on Cumberland Council, said: “I’m excited for the development of a green open space that will enhance the area.

“Thanks to all the residents who came out to see the plans. I would also like to thank Wath Brow Hornets for hosting the event. The feedback from locals has been amazing and all positive.

“It is a pleasure to be able to help deliver these projects as their councillor.”

Funded nationally and locally, the Cumbria Community Forest (CCF) is part of a network of community forests.

It was created after being awarded funding from Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund following a bid from Cumbria Woodlands, Cumbria County Council, the National Trust, Forestry Commission and other partner organisations.

The project aims to plant thousands of trees which will create up to 150 hectares of woodland.