Tree planting plan aims to 'transform landscape'

Plans to plant up to 134 million trees over the next 25 years have been outlined as part of a project aiming to "transform North and West Yorkshire's landscape".

The White Rose Forest is a network of woodland across the two counties and part of the wider Northern Forest scheme aiming to stretch from Liverpool to the Yorkshire coast.

The long-term tree strategy includes boosting woodland cover from 12% to at least 16.5%.

Iwan Downey, White Rose Forest programme director, said "collective action" between local authorities, landowners and businesses would "create a resilient, healthy and prosperous landscape for our communities, for nature and for growth".

West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire's regional mayors planted an oak tree on Woodhouse Moor in Leeds to "mark the occasion".

"I want every child in West Yorkshire to grow up with nature on their doorstep, and the White Rose Forest is helping to make that possible," said West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin.

"This is about rolling up our sleeves, taking practical steps to tackle the climate emergency and create a greener, more vibrant region that works for all."

Targets for the White Rose Forest include:

• Ensuring 70% of woodland is sustainably managed (up from 62%)
• Increasing the number of households close to accessible woodland from 25% to 50%
• Increasing funding for trees and woodland by up to 50% from non-public sector sources
• Engaging up to 16,000 people each year in tree planting and management

David Skaith, North Yorkshire mayor, said: "We are determined to be the first carbon-negative region and tree planting has got to play a huge part in that.

"Things like this do not happen overnight, this is going to take a long time, so having a 25-year plan with partners all together is going to be the key to success."

The plan is approved by the White Rose Forest board, which includes all local authorities, combined authorities and national park authorities across the region.

It will be delivered in partnership with landowners, local community organisations, businesses, charities and Defra.

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