Landowners in the North York Moors National Park can receive trees for free thanks to a new scheme that aims to plant the veteran trees of the future.
Unlike other schemes which look to create whole new woodlands, the landscape tree scheme is unique in its ambition to plant standalone trees in fields or along existing hedgerow boundaries. The saplings will be maintained and cared-for by the National Park Authority’s woodland team for three years, ensuring they get the best possible start.
We’re keen to actively encourage more tree planting at a time when we are witnessing the loss of many of our ash trees due to widespread ash dieback. This is particularly a concern in the south of the National Park where we believe that the loss of ash trees will have a significant impact on the landscape and environment. It will take many years for newly-planted trees to reach maturity and fully replace those that are lost, so it’s vital we begin now.- Sam Newton, Woodland Creation Officer
The landscape tree scheme is open to anyone who has the space available to plant a minimum of ten trees around their land. Ideally the trees would be a mixture of species, helping to future-proof their survival by reducing the risk that they succumb to any particular disease. Following three years of maintenance by the National Park Authority (which is included at no cost), the trees should continue to be tended to by the landowner.
We’re very fortunate to have ancient and veteran trees dotted all over the National Park, but they won’t live forever.
When we look 200 or even 500 years into the future of the North York Moors, we need to see the next generation of those gnarly, creviced old trees that support vast numbers of invertebrates and fascinate everyone who sees them. Such trees are essential to healthy ecosystems and of course act as long-term carbon stores that help mitigate climate change.
- Sam Newton, Woodland Creation Officer
Anyone interested in planting trees on their land can contact the National Park Authority via email on conservation@northyorkmoors.org.uk. It would be helpful to include a map, along with as much detail as possible about your ideas. You can also post your map to the National Park Office in Helmsley, or phone Sam Newton on 01439 772700.
Alongside the landscape tree scheme, the National Park Authority still offers 100% funding for the creation of new woodlands. Please visit the Woodland Creation Grant page.
ENDS
Media contact
Nina Beadle
Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 8.4 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
The North York Moors National Park Authority works with a wide variety of people to care for this beautiful corner of Yorkshire, providing apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities with nearly 14% of staff being apprentices from local families.
To view other press releases and for further information about the North York Moors National Park, explore this website.