A free series of webinars is set to shed light on how the county’s natural assets can play a key role in the fight against climate change and the journey towards net zero.
The online events will delve into trees and hedgerows, rivers and peatlands, looking at the science of why land use decisions are so critical to the environment. Local land managers including farmers and conservationists will share real-life examples of their action they’ve taken on their land, showing how these actions have contributed to balancing their carbon emissions. Expanding on their stories will be a range of expert speakers from local and national organisations including conservation charities, community groups and local authorities.
Event organiser Nigel Jenkins, from Cumbria Action for Sustainability, said “This series of hour-long events is all about making the most of our superb natural assets, and how we can balance our carbon emissions to help meet our zero carbon target by 2037. We know from the climate science that the way we use our land has a critical part to play in helping us reduce emissions and store carbon, as well as contributing to our adaption and resilience such as helping to reduce flood risks.”
The first in the series takes place on 6th December and will focus on trees. Nigel explained that “We’ve got a range of expert speakers lined up, including Cumbria Woodlands, the NFU, and the Fell Foot Forward Landscape Partnership. Copeland Borough Council will also highlight the role of local authorities on trees and green spaces, and exciting plans for the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest.
We’ll hear about the England Tree Action Plan and the NFU Tree Strategy, which emphasise the importance of planting the right tree in the right place, and responsible management of existing woodlands. A Cumbrian farmer will also share how a carbon audit of their farm has shown how trees and hedgerows contribute to carbon balance.”
The January event will look at the crucial role of peatlands, with speakers from the University of Cumbria and North Pennines AONB who will talk about the science behind peatlands, their significance in reducing Cumbria’s emissions, backed up with examples of practical projects already in action. Hedgerows and rivers will feature in February and March respectively, with other land and coastal topics following on throughout 2023.
The webinars are open to the public, and aimed across the board at land managers, farmers, conservationists, horticulturalists, students studying land-based subjects and anyone who’s interested in how land within Cumbria can help to store carbon.
Nigel said: “There are lots of competing priorities for land use, for instance housing, food production, business and recreation, and the events will explore these challenges, but there are also lots of opportunities and benefits including increasing biodiversity, reducing erosion, improving wildlife habitats, and enhancing landscapes and leisure areas.”
The events have been organised by Cumbria’s climate charity Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) as part of the Zero Carbon Cumbria programme. The programme is led by the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, which brings together over 80 organisations from the private, public and third sectors working towards net zero in 2037, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
The events are free to attend, and places can be booked on the CAfS websitewww.cafs.org.uk/events.
Photo by Illiya Vjestica on Unsplash
