On Thursday 25th May 2023 the CIC held an on-farm woodland workshop at Hall Bolton, just outside of Gosforth, Cumbria. The owners Elizabeth & Peter Bailey have a diverse range of woodland with both newly planted and well-established areas. The aim of the day was to explore what trees could do not only to enhance biodiversity, the environment, contribute to carbon capture but also support livestock management.
15 Farmers and CIC members attended, a good mix of tenant farmers and land owners. Lachlan Dulson from Cumbria Woodlands lead the afternoon, showing us around the land and explaining the pros and cons of different planting and management ideas. Representatives from The Forestry Commission, Cumbria Rivers Trust & Cumbria community forest were present, providing information on current funding opportunities for those farmers wanting to explore tree planting more.