Money available to create Dales woodlands

Cash is available to support the planting of native broadleaf trees in the Yorkshire Dales, creating new woodland habitats and providing potential income for landowners.

The woodland creation programme is run by local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) and the team is currently looking for suitable sites across the Dales to plant with a mixture of native broadleaf species this winter.

Chris Lodge, woodland development officer at YDMT said: “We’re appealing to farmers and landowners with any possible sites for planting to come forward.

“The current concern surrounding ash trees makes planting new sites with appropriate species more important than ever.”

The YDMT, working with partners including the Forestry Commission and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority can discuss potential sites, identify potential grants available from other organisations, suggest suitable tree species and protection methods, and help with the design and planning of the site.

Sites will be individually assessed but it is possible a grant covering up to 100 per cent of the cost of creating the new woodland could be available to landowners through YDMT.

The Woodland Carbon Code could also allow landowners to benefit from a financial return on their investment. This new Forestry Commission initiative offers businesses and individuals an opportunity to reduce or mitigate their carbon footprint by investing in the creation of woodlands. This can provide a financial return to landowners, either through a contribution to the initial establishment costs or as a longer term income.

Anyone interested in the woodland creation programme or to find out more about the Woodland Carbon Code contact Chris Lodge on 01524 251002 or email [email protected]