GRCF2021 - Forest Futures: Woodland Restoration and Creation (360G-cabinetoffice-G2-GA-202211828476-21-22)

Our project, delivered in partnership with Cumbria Woodlands and United Utilities, will deliver important nature restoration activities. We will:Restore the finest and most important woodlands:Cumbria Woodlands, the Woodland Trust and United Utilities have completed assessments of some of the most important Ancient Woodland sites in the Thirlmere Valley, which are both SSSIs and Plantations on Ancient Woodland sites. Funding would enable the delivery of vital restoration work on the ground at Thirlmere. Permissions and plans are in place, and funding will enable us to deliver the most challenging aspects of this work.Growing the woodland creation and management project pipeline:We will provide light touch promotion and advice on woodland creation and management to landowners / managers. This work will raise awareness and generate main streamed applications - supporting jobs, growth and contributing to 25 Year Environment Plan Outcomes.Growing Skills:Work is needed to ensure a skills pipeline into the sector, and to encourage and develop Graduate Foresters to take their first steps on their career pathway and to deliver the Governments bold targets around woodland creation. Funding will enable the creation of a new full time post, supporting a graduate forester to hone and develop their skills.