Raise Cumbria
Raise Cumbria is a neurodivergent-led charitable initiative under Community Forest Trust that funds and supports community woodland creation across 1,300 square miles of Cumbria, serving landowners, schools, community groups, and neurodivergent individuals through grants, volunteer programmes, and an arts-led stakeholder network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersLiverpool (Support Office), United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Raise Cumbria does
Raise Cumbria is a neurodivergent-led charitable initiative operating as part of England's Community Forests network under the national registered charity Community Forest Trust. Launched in 2021, the organisation spans approximately 1,300 square miles across Cumbria, running from Carlisle in the north to Barrow in the south along the western edge of the Lake District. Its mission is to support neurodivergent people in creating and caring for green spaces while delivering community-led woodland creation, stewardship, nature-based health work, and cultural engagement, guided by a 25-year vision published as the Forest Plan in August 2025.
The organisation delivers its work through five interconnected programmes: the Woodland Creation Grant (funding and practical support for landowners covering up to 100% of Year 1 establishment costs plus up to 15 years of support payments, with a 0.1-hectare minimum eligibility); the Raise Collective (an arts-led quarterly network of artists, ecologists, researchers, and health/education professionals); the Volunteer Community Forester Programme (neuro-affirming volunteer sessions for individuals aged 16+); a Level 3 Forestry Crafts apprenticeship in partnership with Myerscough College; and the Cumbria Community Forest initiative itself. Cumulative output includes 339,237 trees planted, 854 hectares of woodland added between 2021 and 2023, and a February 2025 boundary expansion into West Cumbria and the Eden River Catchments.
Raise does not generate commercial revenue. It is sustained entirely through grants and partnerships with DEFRA (via Trees for Climate and SFAP), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, One Tree Planted, the Ernest Cook Trust, Natural England, the Environment Agency, Cumberland Council, Westmorland and Furness Council, the Forestry Commission, the Woodland Trust, two Rivers Trusts, and a broader network of conservation and community partners. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: landowner referrals flow through Cumbria Woodlands and council partners, volunteer recruitment runs through the website and event calendar, and there is no traditional sales motion. The team is small — a Director (James Cobbold), Programme Manager, two-to-three Community Foresters, an Apprentice Community Forester, a Marketing & Communications Manager, plus associates — delivering the work across the Forest area.
Raise Cumbria firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Raise Cumbria
- Legal name
- Community Forest Trust
- Website
- https://raisecumbria.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Raise Cumbria is a neurodivergent-led charitable initiative under Community Forest Trust that funds and supports community woodland creation across 1,300 square miles of Cumbria, serving landowners, schools, community groups, and neurodivergent individuals through grants, volunteer programmes, and an arts-led stakeholder network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Raise Cumbria industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Forestry Services
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Support Activities for Forestry (1153), Support Activities for Forestry (11531)
- SIC
- Forestry (800)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Replanting, Infilling & Stand Rehabilitation (AFAMACAI), Timberland Carbon & Natural Capital Project Development (Offsets/REDD+) (AFAMAKAH), Forestry & Public Lands Administration (State/National Forests) (BPAIAMAF)
Keywords
Where Raise Cumbria is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Liverpool (Support Office)
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Raise Cumbria business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Grants and Government Funding: Raise Cumbria operates as a charitable community forest organization funded primarily through government grants and environmental funding programmes including Trees for Climate, SFAP (Sustainable Farming Incentive), and DEFRA-supported initiatives. The organization does not generate commercial revenue but disburses funding to landowners for woodland creation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Woodland Creation Grant - covering planting and establishment costs |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Raise Cumbria product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Raise Cumbria is a neurodivergent-led community forest organization that supports landowners across Cumbria with woodland creation grants, planning and design, funding acquisition, regulatory guidance, planting, and up to 15 years of long-term stewardship support. It also runs a neuro-affirming volunteer community forester programme and an arts-led stakeholder network (Raise Collective) that shapes project design.
Product overview
Raise: Cumbria Community Forest is a neurodivergent-led organisation operating across 1,300 square miles of Cumbria, offering a portfolio of interconnected programmes centred on community woodland creation. The core offering includes the Cumbria Community Forest initiative (a 25-year vision for woodland creation and stewardship), the Woodland Creation Grant (providing funding and practical support to landowners), and the Raise Collective (an arts-led stakeholder network shaping forest design). Additional offerings include a Volunteer Community Forester Programme (neuroaffirming volunteer opportunities) and a Forestry Apprenticeship (Level 3 qualification in partnership with Myerscough College). Together, these programmes deliver practical forestry, community engagement, nature-based health work, and long-term environmental stewardship across Cumbria.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Raise Collective: A network helping shape the future of Cumbria Community Forest, comprised of artists, ecologists, researchers, and professionals working across health, education and community sectors. Supports science-led foresters to create woodlands that deliver public benefits and involves neurodivergent communities.
Products and services
- Cumbria Community Forest A neurodivergent-led woodland creation initiative spanning 1,300 square miles of Cumbria, guided by a 25-year vision (2025–2050) to support community-led woodland creation, stewardship, nature-based health work, and cultural engagement.
- Woodland Creation Grant Funding and practical support for landowners to plant trees, hedgerows and wood pasture, including planning, design, regulatory guidance, on-the-ground planting, and up to 15 years of long-term maintenance support. Available to landowners with at least 0.1 hectares within the Cumbria Community Forest area.
- Raise Collective A stakeholder network of artists, ecologists, researchers and professionals across health, education and community sectors that helps shape the future of Cumbria Community Forest through arts-led engagement sessions held every 3–4 months.
- Volunteer Community Forester Programme A neuro-affirming volunteer programme welcoming neurodivergent people aged 16+ and allies to participate in woodland creation, nature monitoring and creative activity across Cumbria, with sessions designed for small groups, clear communication and flexibility.
- Forestry Apprenticeship Level 3 Forestry Crafts qualification apprenticeship delivered in partnership with Myerscough College, providing pathways into forestry and environmental work through hands-on learning and in-house training.
Quantifiable outcome
- 339,237 trees planted to date
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Raise Cumbria
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Raise Cumbria technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Raise Cumbria partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Community Forest TrustcoreCommunity Forest Trust is the national registered charity supporting England's 15 Community Forests. Raise operates as Cumbria Community Forest under this umbrella, receiving governance support, shared resources, and network coordination.
- England's Community ForestscoreNetwork of 15 Community Forests across England. Raise is one of these forests, contributing to the largest environmental regeneration initiative in England. Shared learning, best practices, and national datasets.
- Cumberland CouncilcoreLocal government partner providing land, funding mechanisms (including section 106), and policy alignment for community forest delivery in the Cumberland area.
- Westmorland and Furness CouncilcoreLocal government partner providing land, funding mechanisms, and policy alignment for community forest delivery in the Westmorland and Furness area.
- Cumbria WoodlandscoreCumbria Woodlands Advisory Service refers landowners to Raise and provides woodland creation advice. Key partner in identifying and developing woodland creation opportunities.
- Forestry CommissioncoreGovernment forestry authority providing regulatory guidance, planting permissions, and partnership on woodland creation programmes including Trees for Climate.
- Eden Rivers TrustcoreEnvironmental charity working on river restoration and water quality. Partner for riparian planting projects that improve water quality and habitat connectivity.
- West Cumbria Rivers TrustcoreEnvironmental charity delivering river restoration and water quality projects. Co-delivers woodland creation projects including Cockan Farm and Keekle, coordinating volunteers.
- Woodland TrustcoreMajor conservation organization providing tree donations (e.g., Low Skelgill Farm) and purchasing carbon credits from woodland projects (e.g., Cockan Farm).
- National TrustminorLarge conservation charity managing significant land holdings in Cumbria. Potential partnership on woodland creation on NT lands.
- BrathayminorCharity working with communities in the Lake District. Potential partner for community engagement and volunteer coordination.
- H&H Land & EstatesminorRural property and land specialist providing expertise and potential referrals for woodland creation opportunities across Cumbria.
- AutuscoreCumbrian organisation supporting autistic children and adults. Key partner for neuro-affirming woodland creation and engagement events, particularly at How Tun project.
- Full of NoisesminorSound art and new music organisation based in Barrow. Collaborated on neuro-affirming planting events and creative engagement at How Tun project.
- FibrusminorBroadband provider that donated trail cameras to The Whitehaven Academy project and contributed volunteer hours for planting activities.
- Sunbelt RentalsminorEquipment rental company listed as business partner. Nature of partnership not fully specified in available materials.
- ArbortecminorForestry equipment supplier that supported Kathryn's apprenticeship with equipment donations to help her get started safely.
- Natural EnglandcoreGovernment nature conservation body providing funding support and regulatory alignment for woodland creation and environmental projects.
- Environment AgencycoreGovernment body responsible for environmental protection. Partner for projects improving water quality and flood mitigation including Keekle project.
- Cultura TrustcoreCharitable trust owning Camp Farm in Maryport. Collaborated with Raise on woodland creation and community engagement on trust lands.
- Cumbria Biodiversity Data CentreminorData organization providing expertise for biodiversity monitoring at Low Skelgill Farm, helping measure ecological outcomes.
- Stomping GroundsminorPartner involved in Low Skelgill Farm project, providing specialist input and collaboration on woodland creation.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Raise Cumbria competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sylva Foundation: UK forestry charity providing science-based support for woodland creation and management; overlapping in landowner advisory, forestry planning, and evidence-led approach but without Raise's community/neurodivergent delivery focus.
- Trees for Cities: UK charity delivering urban and peri-urban tree planting and green space projects; highly comparable model using grants, corporate partnerships, and volunteers to create new woodland, with a focus on disadvantaged communities paralleling Raise's neurodivergent focus.
- Northern Forest: Community forest initiative covering the North of England with very similar mandate to create new woodland through partnership networks, government funding, and landowner engagement; analogous geographic scope and stakeholder model to Raise Cumbria.
- Mersey Forest: One of England's 15 Community Forests operating in North West England; sister organization under the Community Forest Trust with the same community-led woodland creation model, funding sources (Trees for Climate/DEFRA), and 25-year strategic plan structure as Raise Cumbria.
- Heart of England Forest: Award-winning UK charity creating and restoring native woodland across the Midlands; directly comparable as a charitable reforestation organization delivering large-scale tree planting, volunteer engagement, and corporate partnerships on a comparable operational footprint.
- Forest of Avon: One of England's 15 Community Forests covering the West of England; direct peer as another Community Forest Trust member with comparable mission, funding mechanisms (Trees for Climate), and landowner grant programmes.
Broad incumbents
- The Conservation Volunteers (TCV): Long-established UK volunteering charity running practical conservation and community green space programmes; comparable in mobilizing volunteers for habitat creation but broader in scope (parks, rivers, urban greening) than Raise's forestry focus.
- Woodland Trust: UK's largest woodland conservation charity and a direct partner of Raise (provides tree donations and purchases carbon credits); comparable in mission of woodland creation, but operates nationally at vastly greater scale as a broad incumbent.
- The Tree Council: UK umbrella charity championing trees and woodland; overlapping mission of community tree planting, education, and policy advocacy but operating as a national coordinating body rather than a regional delivery organization.
Regional players
- White Peak CIC: Community Interest Company operating in the Peak District (Derbyshire) focused on woodland creation and conservation; comparable small-scale community forestry delivery model in a different UK region.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Raise Cumbria social profiles
Digital presenceRaise Cumbria compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Raise Cumbria financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Raise Cumbria leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Raise Cumbria funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Raise Cumbria M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Raise Cumbria
What does Raise Cumbria do?
Raise Cumbria is a neurodivergent-led community forest organization that supports landowners across Cumbria with woodland creation grants, planning and design, funding acquisition, regulatory guidance, planting, and up to 15 years of long-term stewardship support. It also runs a neuro-affirming volunteer community forester programme and an arts-led stakeholder network (Raise Collective) that shapes project design.
Is Raise Cumbria a public or private company?
Raise Cumbria is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Raise Cumbria founded?
Raise Cumbria was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Raise Cumbria based?
Raise Cumbria is headquartered in Liverpool (Support Office), United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Raise Cumbria make money?
One revenue line is on record: grants and Government Funding.
Who are Raise Cumbria's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sylva Foundation, Trees for Cities, Northern Forest, Mersey Forest, Heart of England Forest and Forest of Avon. Broad incumbents are The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Woodland Trust and The Tree Council. White Peak CIC is listed as a regional player.
Does Raise Cumbria have an API?
No public API is recorded for Raise Cumbria.
What industry is Raise Cumbria in?
Raise Cumbria's product category is Community Forestry Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAD, Forestry & Reforestation, with a secondary code of AFAMACAI, Replanting, Infilling & Stand Rehabilitation. Its NAICS code is 813312 and its SIC code is 800.