PLANS are in motion to improve public access within Kingmoor South Nature Reserve following a £150,000 grant. 

A planning application has been submitted to Cumberland Council with hopes to extend the woodland into the three agricultural fields at the centre of the reserve, changing the current agricultural use to that of public open space. 

As part of the project, with funding from the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest, more than 8,500 trees have been planted, alongside the addition of new footpaths and picnic tables.

The change of use application was lodged with the council on May, 19. 

A spokesperson from Cumberland Council said the project aims to 'improve' habitats for wildlife alongside further benefits to the public. 

“Earlier this year, Carlisle City Council (now part of Cumberland Council) was awarded a £150,000 grant from Cumbria Coastal Community Forest to extend Kingmoor South Nature Reserve into the three agricultural fields at the centre of the reserve.

“As part of the scheme more than 8,500 trees have been planted, leaving open areas to be managed as species rich grassland. Plus new footpaths created with benches, picnic tables, and interpretation panels.

“Over time the agricultural fencing will also be removed allowing open public access.

“As part of increasing access to the nature reserve through the creation of new footpaths, we have applied for planning permission as a change of use of the land is required.

“The project aims to improve habitats for wildlife as well as create more species diversity in Kingmoor South Nature reserve whilst allowing visitors to learn, engage and help with improving habitats for wildlife in their local area.

“England’s Community Forests are located in, and around, our largest towns and cities.

“Collectively, the work of the Forests has formed the largest environmental regeneration initiative in England," they said. 

Cumbria's Coastal Community Forest, an ambitious initiative that will also see thousands of new trees planted down the western coast of Cumbria was allocated £900,000 from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) in August last year.  

For more information, visit www.cumbriawoodlands.co.uk/working-with-partners/woodland-creation/cumbria-coastal-community-forest/