LANDOWNERS within the North York Moors National Park are being given the chance to have trees planted on their land for free.

Following a revised budget, the North York Moors National Park Authority set up a Rural Recovery Fund to help deal with the consequences of coronavirus, which now includes a grant scheme aimed at planting the veteran trees of the future.

The authority will fund 100 per cent of the work, including the costs of the trees, materials, planting labour and follow-up maintenance for the first few years.

“This initiative will help contribute towards a green recovery by engaging local people and contractors in tree planting and by sourcing trees from local nurseries,” said Briony Fox, director of conservation at the authority.

“The financial implications of COVID-19 will have been felt by many across the area and so we are eager to engage with local businesses and individuals.

“This is a great opportunity for all landowners who wish to have a positive impact on the future ecology of the National Park, but to all those who wish to support local businesses at what is a very challenging time.”

The initiative has already led to the creation of more than 80 ha of woodland and wood pasture since 2017, which is equivalent to more than 80,000 trees. The fund is intended for individual field and hedgerow trees.

“This funding is particularly crucial now as we are witnessing the loss of many of our ash trees due to the widespread ash die-back disease, so it is important that we actively encourage more tree planting,” added Alasdair Fagan, the authority's woodland creation officer.

For details, phone Alasdair Fagan or 01439 772700 or email conservation@northyorkmoors.org.uk.

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