Planting trees is one of the best ways we can protect the health of our planet for future generations. And it’s very close to our hearts at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. The woodlands we have here in the Dales define our landscape, provide irreplaceable habitats for wildlife and peaceful places for people to connect with nature.
25 years ago we joined forces with other organisations to expand tree cover across the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas. Since then, we’ve supported the planting of over 1.5 million native broadleaf trees.
We’re not alone in our campaign to bring native woodlands back to the Dales. We work with partners, landowners and rely on donations and support from many thousands of people who share our love of trees.
Why do we need more trees in the Dales?
Planting trees is absolutely critical to help tackle climate change and nature loss. And it's even more important here in the Yorkshire Dales where woodland cover is just over 4% - compared to the national average of about 9%. Diseases, poor management, and our increasing disconnection with nature, all place a significant threat on the valuable woodlands we have left.
As a member of the Dales Woodland Forum our vision for 2040 is that:
Trees and woodlands in the Yorkshire Dales will: contribute significantly to a carbon net zero National Park, enable habitat connectivity, improve water quality and reduce flooding, in a way that enhances the landscape and special qualities of the area, provide health and amenity benefits to people, and be economic for landowners.
In order to fulfil this vision, woodlands will need to expand in size and number and become increasingly connected as well as being resilient and sustainably managed.
Our aim is to create 6,000 hectares of woodland habitat in the Yorkshire Dales National Park by 2040. That would take the area of the National Park covered by woodland, which is currently the smallest of any of England’s National Parks, from 4.3% to 7%.
Together for Trees
Planting trees is absolutely critical to help tackle climate change and nature loss. And it's even more important here in the Yorkshire Dales where woodland cover is just over 4%.
Join thousands of people who are helping us to bring native woodlands back to the Yorkshire Dales by dedicating a tree in one of our woodlands.
Dedicate a tree in the Dales from £15Woodlands of all shapes and sizes
At YDMT we support woodland schemes of all shapes and sizes, including copses, connective planting and hedgerows as well as riparian strips along riverbanks. Smaller scale woodland creation is normally underfunded and overlooked, but has immense value for people, landscape and wildlife. These woodlands will absorb carbon, connect habitats, improve water quality and reduce flooding, as well as providing beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.
Thinking of planting a new woodland?
We can offer free advice and funding to support the creation of new native broadleaf woodlands in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale AONB.
Trees for people
The future of our woodlands depends on inspiring more people to care about the natural world and empowering them to take simple actions to support nature.
People are at the very heart of all our woodland schemes. We support communities to create their own woodlands, provide training for young people to get jobs in the sector and opportunities for a diverse range of people to get involved in tree planting and other woodland activities.
By bringing people together to plant the trees, we help develop skills, improve well-being, and inspire people to care for them in future.
We’re supporting the next generation of tree planters with more opportunities for young people to get involved in tree planting and woodland activities of all kinds. We also provide training for young people to get jobs in the sector.
Read how a Woodland Traineeship helped Sam and Zoe get their dream jobs
Learn more about our woodland work
Together for Trees
Together for Trees is our campaign to create a landscape with more native broadleaf woodlands, for people and wildlife. Find out how you can be part of it!
Plastic Free Woodlands
Hundreds of thousands of plastic tree guards are used every year to protect new trees as they grow, but the plastic they leave behind is polluting our soils and waterways. YDMT is driving an industry-led response to the problem, paving a way forward for plastic free woodlands.
Discover your woods
Want some inspiration for things to do in the woods? Check out our woodland activities, talks and resources put together by our YDMT woodland experts.
