Emmerdale cast and crew help at University of Leeds's Gair Wood ecology project

Actors and production crew from the TV show, which is filmed on a purpose-built set located nearby on the Harewood House Estate, will help to maintain 10,000 of the trees as they celebrate the milestone of 10,000 episodes this summer.

The 80-strong Green Team included Emmerdale’s long-time cast member Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, Mark Charnock (Marlon Dingle), Tony Audenshaw (Bob Hope), Nicola Wheeler (Nicola King), Louise Jameson (Mary Goskirk) and Ash Palmisciano (Matty Barton). They were joined by assistant directors, make-up artists, costume makers and sound engineers.

Emmerdale chose to collaborate with the university on the Gair Wood project after meeting academics to seek advice on the show’s transition to a net zero production.

Dr Cat Scott, Associate Professor in the School of Earth and Environment, said: “I gave a talk to the Green Team at Emmerdale about how our use of land can affect both the climate and biodiversity crises. I spoke about these issues in general but also about our local projects, in particular Gair Wood, through which we’re trying to address some of the challenges. After the trees are planted, there’s still a lot of work involved to make sure they survive and Emmerdale’s Green Team wanted to lend a hand with this.”

Nader Mabadi, Head of Emmerdale Production, said: “When we heard about the Gair Wood project, we were so impressed with the work to date and it is amazing to have this right on our doorstep.

“Making sure the trees have the best possible chance to thrive is of critical importance and we are more than delighted to do our bit.

“The restoration of woodland and the reconnecting of ecological corridors is a very necessary thing for wildlife survival and for our environment.”

The trees were planted at the 36-hectare site in January 2023. Emmerdale’s Green Team are checking tree guards to ensure they are clear of grass and other fast-growing plant species, replacing damaged guards and looking out for trees blown over in the wind.

As part of the university’s Climate Plan, the aim of Gair Wood is to create a woodland that enhances biodiversity, stores carbon and acts as a “living laboratory” that provides research and teaching opportunities.

“This includes regularly assessing the progress of the trees, the composition of the soil, the species of wildlife present and the local temperatures and air quality as the new woodland evolves,” said Cat.

The project has been delivered by university staff and students, in partnership with the United Bank of Carbon environmental charity and the White Rose Forest.

Alongside Cat, leading the project in the School of Earth and Environment are Forest Science and Policy Fellow Dr Tom Sloan, Natural Capital Valuation Officer Anna Gugan, postgraduate researcher Stephen Denison and Communications and Engagement Officer Dr Robin Hayward.

The White Rose Forest, the community forest for North and West Yorkshire, funded the cost of the trees, which include oak, alder, lime, silver birch, willow, hawthorn and holly. Initial staffing costs were met through the university’s partnership with the United Bank of Carbon .

The site was named after Roger Gair, who worked at the university for more than 40 years – 20 of them as University Secretary. He planted the first tree, an oak, in December 2022.

There are planned public pathways but the site will not be fully accessible to the public for a few years, giving the trees time to establish.

Tom added: “Future research will have been made possible by the massive effort put in by all our volunteers. We’re so grateful to the Emmerdale team for coming along and building on the dedicated work of our regular Friends of Gair Wood team.

“They will have played an important part in ensuring these trees settle in and that as many survive as possible. Because of this work, Gair Wood will become a thriving and biodiverse part of the Leeds landscape.”