SPRING has sprung across the borough thanks to two projects aimed at enhancing green spaces and bringing people closer to nature.

An avenue of flowering cherry trees has been planted in Barrow Park, along with a small woodland area near to an existing tree line and hedgerows to help develop the area as a natural habitat for wildlife.

A second project is underway to enhance otherwise bare green space around residential areas with natural planting of parkland trees and hedgerows. These locations include Bank Lane, Brathay Crescent, Vulcan Road, Calder Green, Severn Road, Church Street and Ormsgill Community Centre.

The two schemes have been funded by the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest which, with funding from Defra’s Trees for Climate Fund, is planting thousands of new trees throughout Barrow, Copeland, Allerdale and Carlisle to help bring people closer to nature.

The residential project also received funding from UK charity Trees for Cities.

A spokesperson for Barrow Borough Council said: “Barrow Park will benefit from further tree cover, helping its biodiversity, and making the popular site more beautiful for those who use it.

“Giving neighbourhoods more green spaces will be beneficial for everyone, improving public health and contributing to climate repair.”

Unlike traditional forests, community forests aren't geographically restricted to one place.

James Cobbold, director of the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest, said: "In our first year, the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest has funded the planting of approximately 27 hectares of trees and woodland across Cumbria, in partnership with local communities.

"We are delighted to support the plantings in the borough of Barrow-in-Furness, and we look forward to funding more woodland creation in and around Barrow in the future."

Interested landowners are encouraged to contact Cumbria Woodlands to find out how they can get involved.

Visit www.cumbriawoodlands.co.uk or email info@cumbriawoodlands.co.uk for more information.