The first seeds have been planted on a unique green scheme in north Kendal.
Families have clubbed together to buy the derelict Holme House Farm in Skelsmergh and will create an eco-community of five homes.
They will minimise environmental impact while restoring and enhancing wildlife and habitats of the woodland, river and meadows on the plot.
The Lake District Foundation has funded the new hedgerow through the Real Hedge Fund.
Families came together recently to plant eight oak trees – representing the community putting firm foundations down for future generations.
Over time it’s hoped the hedge will provide shelter, habitat, food and nesting sites for all manner of plants, insects, animals and birds. This will help local wildlife flourish and become more resilient.
People will also be able to harvest berries, hips and nuts for their larders, wine and jam making.
Chris Loynes from Holme House Farm said: “The funding has made it possible for us to buy native edible hedge plants and standards to create a boundary hedge, especially along the edge that we share with a public footpath.
“It is so helpful to get local funding and support for our plans to restore and enhance wildlife on Holme House Farm by planting this hedge. It has become a focal point for the community members and our friends and neighbours to get to know the place and each other.
“We hope walkers will, in time, be able to take advantage of the edible hedge as well as ourselves and wildlife.”
The Lake District Foundation’s Real Hedge Fund – which helps create and restore Cumbria’s hedgerows – has turned its focus to planting new trees and hedges lost in November’s Storm Arwen.
The charity will match-fund donations up to £5000. Every £25 donated by individuals or businesses will help create one metre of bio-diverse hedgerow or up to five saplings for replanting.