PEOPLE are being invited to help plant over 3,250 trees and hedges at Westlakes Science Park in a bid to improve the grounds and protect and encourage more wildlife.

Back in 2021, BEC set a mission to protect and improve the natural habitat at Westlakes Science Park near Whitehaven.

With the help of local volunteers, more than 2,500 trees were planted in late 2021 as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy, a national initiative to plant trees across the nation, with over a million trees being planted to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee year.

Following the success of that project and with the help of Cumbria’s Coastal Community Forest funding, BEC has plans to plant a further 3,250 trees and hedges this March and April.

Cumbria’s Coastal Community Forest is being led by Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Woodlands, and The National Trust, in close partnership with other local councils including Barrow Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council and Allerdale Borough Council.

It is being supported by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and a range of other organisations including Art Gene Authority and BEC.

James Cobbold, forest director, said: “We are very excited to support BEC with the planting scheme at Westlakes Science Park.

"This is a fantastic project, combining a variety of tree planting and hedgerow creation while recognising the value of community engagement and creating opportunities for people to get involved.

“This is a great example of how funding through the Community Forest can provide benefits for nature, communities and businesses.”

Steve Hardy, director of environment, NDA said: “The Cumbria Coastal Community Forest will provide a lasting legacy that is beneficial to the people of Cumbria, its wildlife and the environment.

“Thousands of trees will be planted along the western coast of Cumbria to create up to 150 hectares of new woodland, the equivalent of one tree planted for every resident in Copeland, Barrow and Allerdale over the next five years.

“The NDA has a responsibility to clean up the UK’s nuclear sites safely, sustainably and with care for our communities and the environment.

“Our commitment to creating environmental and societal benefits builds on our long history of providing value for the UK. We want to ensure that our actions and decisions continue to have a lasting, positive impact”.

BEC is looking for members of the business and local community to get involved in creating a living legacy for Westlakes Science Park. Everything you need to take part will be provided on arrival, they say; you just need to wrap up warm and remember your gloves and wellies.

By taking part you will be helping to improve access routes for Westlakes Science Park’s growing red squirrel population and give its pollinators a constant food supply and plenty of shelter as they work to encourage more plant growth. 

Each slot will last about an hour, you can take part in groups of up to 6.  Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. This activity is open to schools, groups and individuals.  If you would like to take part as a bigger group, get in touch with Sam Beardmore on 01946 595200. 

To book your slot visit the website or give them a call.