Landowners in the National Park can receive trees for free thanks to a new scheme that we're running with the aim of planting 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 our woodland team for three years, ensuring they get the best possible start.
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 our team (which is included at no cost), the trees should continue to be tended to by the landowner.
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.Also, 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. 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, we still offer 100% funding for the creation of new woodlands. Please visit our Woodland Creation Grant page for more information.