Westmorland and Furness Council has announced the next stage of its ambitious plan to plant a tree for every resident in the area, trialling a method developed in Japan to create dense, fast-growing woodlands.
The Liberal Democrat-led council aims to plant 250,000 trees over five years, enhancing green spaces and supporting local biodiversity. To date, around 40,000 trees and hedgerows have been planted, including at Barrow and Kendal cemeteries and Ormsgill Quarry, where micro woodlands have begun to take root.
Residents and community groups are being invited to apply for tree and hedge packs containing native species to contribute to the project. Each pack includes 105 saplings, with 15 of each species: Crab Apple, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Hazel, Rowan, Silver Birch, and Whitebeam. The initiative also encourages community orchards, with schools, charities, and local groups taking part.
A council spokesman said the authority was trialling the Miyawaki method, a Japanese approach to woodland creation that allows small areas to establish quickly and develop rich biodiversity. “These micro woodlands can establish in just a few years, creating rich biodiversity and natural resilience,” they added.
Councillor Giles Archibald, the council’s cabinet member for climate, said the project would help mitigate the impact of climate change and empower communities. “The One Tree per Resident project is a major part of our commitment to a greener future, empowering our communities to make a real difference,” he said. “We are fortunate to have many active and involved communities in Westmorland and Furness and I hope many residents, schools, town and parish councils, community groups and landowners will consider applying.”
The project, which began in 2023, has so far cost the council approximately £150,000. According to the latest population estimates, roughly 228,000 people live in the area, highlighting the scale of the council’s planting ambitions.
The scheme has already seen positive community engagement, with volunteers donning waterproof clothing and working on muddy fields to plant saplings and establish micro woodlands. The council emphasises that participation from residents is central to the initiative’s success, providing opportunities for local groups to take ownership of their green spaces.
Applications for tree packs are open until 30 November, with more information available on the council’s website. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to support environmental sustainability and biodiversity, creating spaces that can benefit both people and wildlife.
The One Tree per Resident programme reflects a growing trend among local authorities to explore innovative methods for urban and rural reforestation. By involving communities directly, the council aims to ensure the trees are cared for and that the environmental benefits are shared locally.
In addition to creating new woodlands, the project seeks to improve natural resilience by planting species suited to the local environment, supporting pollinators and other wildlife. The council also hopes that the initiative will encourage further environmental action by communities across the area.
The Miyawaki technique, which underpins the project, has been used worldwide to create compact, self-sustaining forests in both urban and rural settings. By focusing on native species and dense planting, it promotes rapid growth, increased biodiversity, and the development of resilient ecosystems.
Residents, schools, town and parish councils, and local landowners are encouraged to apply before the end of November to be part of the next wave of planting. The council said it hopes that the project will foster community engagement, create new public green spaces, and contribute to the wider environmental goals of Westmorland and Furness.
