Forest Plan / Evidence
Evidence
Opportunity Mapping
This Forest Plan is informed by expert geospatial analysis, provided by consultants Crossbill Forestry. Their modelling presents a detailed picture of the opportunities and constraints together with indicative targets for woodland establishment within the boundary of Cumbria Community Forest.
Engagement Outcomes
This Forest Plan proposes an innovative, inclusive and deeply human approach to forestry. Cumbria’s landscapes are rich in natural beauty, yet access to these spaces has not always been equitable or inclusive. To explore, demonstrate and refine an engagement model, Raise completed an engagement pilot programme with communities across Cumbria.
Farming Voice
Over 70% of Cumbria’s land area is farmed. We recognise the central role farmers have in the expansion of tree and woodland cover within Cumbria Community Forest (CCF), and the opportunities for transformative benefits to farm businesses and rural communities through woodland creation and agroforestry.
In preparation of this Forest Plan, Raise undertook a programme of consultation and reflection to explore how farmers may perceive the CCF woodland creation and agroforestry offer.
Evidence of Tree & Woodland Benefits
The scope of tree and woodland benefits is vast. Over the last 30+ years England’s Community Forests have demonstrated benefits for people, nature and climate through multi-purpose woodlands and treescapes.
In this section we identify key evidence relating to the benefits of trees and woodlands. We link this evidence to the range of opportunities that Cumbria Community Forest (CCF) can provide in our local context.