Japanese tree-planting idea used to boost woodland

Westmorland and Furness Council wants to plant 250,000 trees across five years, for each of its residents

A local authority is pressing ahead with ambitions to plant a tree for each of its residents by trialling a method used in Japan.

Westmorland and Furness Council wants to plant 250,000 trees across the area over five years in a bid to create greener spaces and enhance biodiversity.

It has planted 40,000 trees and hedgerows so far and it is now launching the next phase of the project, with residents and community groups asked to apply for tree and hedge packs of native species to plant.

A council spokesman said the Liberal Democrat-led authority was trialling the Miyawaki method, a Japanese approach to creating fast-growing, dense native woodlands.

"These micro woodlands can establish in just a few years, creating rich biodiversity and natural resilience," they added.

Since the project launched in 2023, micro woodlands have been planted in areas including Barrow and Kendal cemeteries and Ormsgill Quarry.

The council has so far spent £150,000 on the project, the spokesman said.

According to the latest population data, about 228,000 people live in the area.

Ormsgill Quarry is one of the areas where the micro woodlands have been planted

Community orchards have also been planted by community groups, schools and charities.

The latest scheme is encouraging residents to apply for tree packs and contribute to the planting efforts.

The packs contain 105 saplings - 15 of each of the following species: Crab Apple, Field Maple, Hawthorn, Hazel, Rowan, Silver Birch and Whitebeam.

Councillor Giles Archibald, the council's cabinet member for climate, said the project would help mitigate the impact of climate change.

"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.

He added: "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 deadline to apply is 30 November and more information is available on the council's website.