CUMBRIA will play a key role in exploring how trees can help the UK reach 'net zero'.

Scientists from the University of Cumbria are part of a new £10.5 million UK programme that will explore how trees can help the UK reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

UK Research and Innovation have announced funding for six research teams to develop new tools and approaches that will help trees and woodlands adapt to climate change.

The research carried out over the next three years also aims to improve our understanding of the value of trees to people and the planet, and support the expansion of treescapes across the UK.

Academics from the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Science, Natural Resources and Outdoor Studies are involved in two of the six projects.  

Dr Simon Carr, Associate Professor in Geography, and geographer Dr Fran Ryfield are members of the team involved in “Voices of the Future: Collaborating with children and young people to re-imagine Treescapes”.  

The project is led by Professor Kate Pahl from Manchester Metropolitan University and also includes members from the universities of Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cambridge, Middlesex and Sheffield.  

A University of Cumbria spokesperson said: “We are delighted that University of Cumbria has been selected to participate in these two key UK Research and Innovation projects, both of which will improve our understanding of the value of trees to people and the planet, and support the expansion of treescapes across the UK.”