VOLUNTEERS are putting their backs into transforming a Cumbrian nature reserve - by increasing the number of new trees planted there to more than 15,000.

Over the past decade, staff from the Lake District Wildlife Park have been leading the tree-planting initiative at the four-hectare Whitebecks Woodland, which is part of the Armathwaite Hall Estate, close to the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake.

The site has already seen more than 10,000 small shrubs and trees planted in partnership with Cumbria Woodlands and United Utilities.

Organisers of the project say their efforts are now moving up a gear.

Cumbria-based community group Diggin’ the Trees was among those who have helped to plant an extra 1,000 oak and ash trees earlier this month.

The next phase of the tree-planting will begin on Saturday - February 29 - and will see local explorer scouts working alongside The Wildlife Park’s Conservation volunteer group to plant a further 1,500 saplings.

Ultimately, experts expect the ever-expanding woodland will help to attract more native species, ranging from red squirrels to bats and tawny owls.

Lake District Wildlife Park Manager Richard Robinson said: “Restoring habitats for wild animals and plants is an important part of the work we do at the Wildlife Park.

“Whitebecks Woodland borders another site of semi-ancient woodland and also leads down to the river, which is a natural haven for native wildlife including kingfishers and otters.

“With the enthusiasm and support of the local community, we will continue nurturing this rich habitat and helping it to flourish for many years to come.

“We are still on the lookout for both individuals and small groups or businesses to help with this vital work, and are always glad to hear from new potential volunteers.”

The UK will have to plant 1.5 billion trees if it is to meet its pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2050 – and this needs to “happen quickly”, government advisers have warned.

The group that advises the government on climate change - The Committee on Climate Change - recently warned that up to 50,000 hectares of land in the UK may have to be planted with trees if the country is to reach its carbon emissions target.

Last year, the UK planted just 13,400 hectares of woodland.

Rural landowners can apply for up to £6,800 of government funding for every hectare of land reforested.

There is also a new two-year £10m fund to plant 130,000 urban trees.

* Anyone interested in becoming a Conservation Volunteer at the Lake District Wildlife Park should contact Lucy Dunn on 017687 76239 or education@lakedistrictwildlifepark.com