A ‘CARBON capture’ project to buy and sell carbon dioxide has launched in the Lake District.

Around 15 hectares of new woodland has been planted at Fisherground, Eskdale, to ‘sell-off’ almost 5,300 tonnes of carbon which will be stored over the next 85 years.

The Lake District National Park Partnership has launched the project with the aim of selling carbon to companies committed to action on climate change.

Businesses can also now invest in woodland and peat projects in the national park which will help reduce climate change.

Lake District National Park’s strategy and partnership adviser, Sam Hagon, said London-based company ICAP had made Fisherground happen through its voluntary programme to reduce carbon emissions.

She explained: “ICAP has purchased the carbon which the woodland will store over its lifetime.

“Carbon stored even in a woodland of this size is significant. It equates to over 10 per cent of emissions from flights taken by national park residents each year, or 236 visitors travelling to and from the Lake District.

“It’s great being able to lock-up carbon in the landscape to help reduce the effects of climate change.

“At the same time, this innovative funding can provide an alternative income for farmers and landowners. We hope we’ll be seeing many more similar projects across the national park.”