The Lowther 2 project is set to transform just over 75 hectares of land into a vibrant, mixed woodland, predominantly coniferous, that will play a crucial role in connecting wildlife habitats. By linking existing estate forestry with the surrounding landscape, this new woodland corridor will join the southern part of the estate to vital pasture woodlands near the historic Lake District National Park, benefiting local wildlife and enhancing biodiversity.

The Estate has a long history of excellent woodland management, and this new planting will continue that legacy by integrating the estate’s existing forests into the wider landscape. By blending broadleaves with conifers, the project will create a more natural and varied woodland vista, moving away from the uniformity of traditional plantation forestry. The woodland will be managed using Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) techniques, a method that focuses on gradual thinning and replanting, resulting in a sustainable, all-aged forest with no clear-felling. This approach, often referred to as ‘Close to Nature Forestry’ in Europe, ensures that the woodland remains diverse and resilient.

The Eden River Trust has played a key role in enhancing the project area by meandering small becks and creating a large pond to the north of the woodland, further contributing to the environmental benefits of the site.

With an estimated 33,331 tonnes of carbon sequestration over the next 100 years, Lowther 2, planted in 2020, is a project that will have a lasting impact on the environment. We invite businesses and individuals to support this vital initiative by purchasing the carbon credits it generates, contributing to responsible forestry and helping accelerate efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.