A community woodland has finally opened in North Yorkshire, a partnership between Forestry England, City of York Council and the White Rose Forest planting a total of 210,000 trees to create the new site near Knapton.
The project is a key component of Forestry England’s ambitious goal to plant at least 2,000 hectares of new woodland across the country by 2026. The initiative is supported by an investment of over £500m from the £640m Nature for Climate Fund for trees and woodland in England between 2020 and 2025.
The 78-hectare (193-acre) York Community Woodland site is set to offer picturesque walking routes, boost biodiversity, improve air quality as well as help mitigate soil erosion and flooding. All good stuff for the planet. Educational signage throughout the site will offer insights into the importance of woodland conservation and the specific species that call York Community Woodland home.
Forestry England’s Forest Management Director in Yorkshire, Gareth Parry, said: “The opening of York Community Woodland marks a significant milestone in Forestry England’s ambition to increase tree cover across the nation. Working with the City of York Council and the White Rose Forest has enabled us to collectively work on a shared mission to create and nurture resilient green spaces that benefit both people and wildlife.
“This woodland stands as a powerful example of what communities can achieve together. I’m delighted to see this project come to life, knowing it will serve as a thriving natural sanctuary and a vital resource for generations to come.”
Coun Jenny Kent, York Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, said: “This is a real cause for celebration. Over 210,000 new trees have been planted, one for each resident of York, to create a wonderful space for nature and people alike, and help mitigate against some of our c i ty’s carbon emissions.”
Guy Thompson, White Rose Forest Programme Director, said: “York Community Woodland encapsulates many of our aims within the White Rose Forest – providing a well-designed woodland and recreational space that will provide a big boost for biodiversity as well as the local community.
“We’ve been delighted to support this project throughout the development process and hope it will become a much-loved natural haven for everyone in York.”
Read More: 100,000’s Of Trees To Be Planted In Yorkshire Dales To Create A Huge Native Woodland
Feature Image Credit: City of York Council
