Go-ahead for forest restoration project

Members of the North York Moors National Park Authority backed the project which will see work carried out over the majority of a site covering 770 acres of woodland.

The scheme, which has been produced by the Forestry Commission, is aiming to dramatically increase the number of native species.

The post-war period has seen a significant decline in the number of broadleaf trees in many parts of the country due to the effects of intensive farming, development and the decision to grow conifers for timber.

A 10-year plan is aiming to lay the foundations to increase the amount of broadleaf woodland from 27 per cent to 69 per cent at The Deer Park, near Helmsley, and in the shadow of Rievaulx Abbey.

The North York Moors National Park Authority’s woodland officer, Paul Harris, said: “It will have a significant benefit, with a big increase in the area of ancient woodland and wood pasture being restored.”

Parts of the woodland have trees which are believed to be more than 500 years old. But the dominant tree species are pines, along with larch, hemlock and cedar. About two thirds of the forest has been replanted with conifers.

The ancient woodland is in the area of Castle Hill which is seen as a fine example of old wood pasture and veteran trees.

Several hundred veteran trees, mainly oak and lime, are to be found in the forest which covers Waterloo Plantation, Helmsley Windypit, Hollins Wood, Haggs Wood and Bungdale Wood.

Work is already under way to restore nearly 200 acres of former wood pasture at the old deer park.

The national park authority also pledged to continue to work with the Forestry Commission on other restoration schemes.