Raise: Cumbria Community Forest has been named Forest of the Year by England’s Community Forests, in recognition of its inclusive, creative and community-led approach to woodland creation.
The announcement was made at this year’s England’s Community Forests conference in York, where all 15 Community Forests gathered to share learning and celebrate progress.
Raise is proud to have been recognised for the values that guide its work – increasing access to nature, and ensuring woodland is designed with and for the communities they serve. The award highlights the strength of a collaborative approach that centres neurodivergent perspectives, supports nature recovery and enables long-term partnerships with farmers, landowners and local groups.
“We’re incredibly grateful to be part of such an inspiring national network,” said Raise Director, James Cobbold.
“Being recognised as Forest of the Year is a huge honour for our small team, and a real credit to the people we work alongside here in Cumbria – from the farmers and foresters to our community partners and local volunteers. This is a collective achievement.
We’re proud of the reasons we were recognised, but truthfully, every Forest deserved to win. There’s inspiring work happening across the whole network, and we’ve learned a huge amount from others over the past two years.”
Raise is one of 15 Community Forests across England working with a shared vision: to plant trees where they are most needed – near the towns, cities and communities that will benefit from them most – creating greener, healthier and more connected places for people and wildlife.
The 2024-25 planting season was record-breaking for England’s Community Forests, with over 2,500 hectares planted. Since launching in 2022, Raise has supported the planting of more than 330,000 trees across Cumbria. In 2025, its Forest Plan was approved by the Lake District National Park Authority and formally adopted by Cumberland Council, setting out a long-term vision to expand tree cover, restore habitats and increase access to woodland for all.
Support is available for those looking to create woodland in the region. Raise can provide funding and advice for farmers, landowners and community groups across Cumbria who are interested in planting trees or restoring natural spaces.
To find out more or apply, visit www.raisecumbria.co.uk
