Local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) has extended its grant scheme to support the creation of new native broadleaf woodlands, hedgerow and landscape trees in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.
Working with community volunteers, YDMT has already helped Angela Kilburn achieve her dream of creating a woodland area consisting of 350 trees and 415m hedgerow on her land near Bentham.
Angela, who wanted to encourage biodiversity in the uplands and create variety in the landscape, said: ‘‘We have really enjoyed working with YDMT, its staff and volunteers. Only a few months later and we’re already seeing an improvement in biodiversity. We’re looking forward to seeing how it develops over the years and to continuing our collaboration with YDMT.’’
YDMT has now partnered with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape to help more landowners create woodland and breathing spaces everyone can enjoy, through an innovative grant scheme.
A range of support is on offer, including advice on woodland planting, design and specification, identify funding opportunities and recommend contractors to carry out the work.
Tony Lund, Partnership Manager for Forest of Bowland National Landscape added: ‘’We are delighted to be working with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust on this project. Small woodlands and individual trees when planted in the right place are really valuable for nature. As well as new planting there is also scope to enhance some existing small woodlands. It’s a great opportunity to have a positive impact on the landscape and improve the habitat for wildlife within the Forest of Bowland.’’
Trees are important to provide shaded spaces and wildlife habitats, which also help to improve biodiversity and manage the risk of flooding and soil erosion.
Working in partnership with local people and volunteers, YDMT has helped landowners plant more than 1.6million trees since 1997, and last winter a total of 10,659 trees were planted across 8.43 hectares. In addition, just over 4 km of new hedgerow was created involving the planting of 22,268 shrubs and 85 landscape trees were planted and protected.
Funding can be provided to cover the costs involved in establishing a new woodland, restoring hedgerow or planting and protecting individual trees. YDMT can also support landowners in developing a management plan for small woodlands and provide funding to help undertake management work.
If you would like to do something amazing for the people, landscape and wildlife of the area, and have either existing woodland or space to plant some trees then please get in touch via the YDMT website – https://www.ydmt.org/what-we-do/grants/woodland-grants.
Applications need to be completed by 30 September 2025.
For further details contact woodlands@ydmt.org or call 015242 51002.