Train company targets Cumbria with £30,000 for new green projects

Charities, community groups, schools and people in Barrow and Ulverston are being urged to apply for grants to transform their neighbourhoods and boost wildlife. For the sixth consecutive year, a local train company has teamed up with the Forestry Commission to donate nearly £30,000 to tree and woodland conservation projects across the North of England and Scotland.

First Transpennine Express (FTPE) has been helping to improve the environment and encourage the growth of wildlife in since 2007. Cash has supported the planting of orchards in school playgrounds, vegetable gardens to promote healthy eating and vibrant community woodlands on former wasteland.

Now rail and forestry chiefs are keen to back projects in South West Cumbria with grants of up to £2,000 for environmental schemes which allow open access to land.

Simon Barber, Environmental Manager for FTPE, said: “The Green Grants Scheme has helped many worthwhile projects and it is great to have the opportunity to do this again and enable the communities in South West Cumbria to benefit. We are also looking forward to working with the Forestry Commission again and I hope that it will inspire people to make a positive improvement to their local environment.”

Applications are judged by a select team of FTPE and Forestry Commission representatives and measured on their involvement with and impact on the local community, as well as overall positive environmental impact and closeness to FTPE stations.

James Anderson-Bickley from the Forestry Commission added: "Working with communities and FTPE we are helping to make a real difference to local areas and the environment."

The donation forms part of FTPE’s six year £125,000 commitment to providing and protecting green areas on and around FTPE routes. For more information and to find out how if you’re eligible to apply visit http://www.tpexpress.co.uk

Pictured: 6 year olds Chelsea Eden and sister Keeley Ann Eden put on their wellies to help plant new fir and oak trees. Picture by Forestry Commission.