Forest Plan / Introduction / Community Manifesto
Community Manifesto
This manifesto was created through our arts-led engagement pilot programme with Cumbrian communities. It centres the experiences and voices of participants in the programme.
Equity
We all enjoy woodlands differently and have diverse needs. Forests must be welcoming, safe, and accessible spaces for all of us who call Cumbria home, and those who visit.
Connection
Forests should be a place for us to find connection - with nature, with our communities, and with ourselves.
Thriving
When created with communities, we believe forests are good for all of us, supporting mental, physical, and environmental wellbeing.
Restoration
Restoring our natural environment is a shared responsibility, one that strengthens our communities and ecosystems - and we have a part to play.
Vision
We see a future where Cumbria leads the way in combining social impact with environmental sustainability in how it creates forests.
Belonging
Every Cumbrian deserves to feel a sense of belonging and ownership in our forests.
Representation
We know what we need, and what our barriers to woodlands are - involve us so we can shape future forests with our ideas and expertise.
Opportunity
We see in our forests the chance for meaningful work, making friends, building self-confidence and developing ourselves.
Collaboration
We must work together - with other communities, landowners, and policymakers - to create equitable woodlands.
