A major new environmental strategy has been launched with the ambitious goal of transforming the landscape of North and West Yorkshire over the next quarter of a century.
A Greener Vision for Yorkshire
The White Rose Forest partnership has officially launched its Strategic Plan 2025–2050, a long-term tree and woodland strategy for the region. The launch was marked by an event where the Mayors of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, planted an oak tree on Woodhouse Moor in Leeds.
The plan, approved by the White Rose Forest board, represents a unified commitment from all local authorities, combined authorities, and national park authorities across the region. It will be delivered in collaboration with landowners, community groups, businesses, charities, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Ambitious Targets for 2050
The core ambition of the strategy is to significantly increase tree and woodland cover. The partnership aims to raise coverage from the current 12 per cent to 16.5 per cent by 2050, with an aspirational 'stretch target' of 18.5 per cent. This equates to the planting of up to 134 million trees across North and West Yorkshire.
The plan also sets out several other key targets to be achieved by 2050:
- Increase the proportion of sustainably managed woodland from 62% to 70%.
- Improve equitable access by ensuring 50% of households are close to accessible woodland, up from 25%.
- Secure up to 50% of funding for trees and woodland from non-public sector sources.
- Engage up to 16,000 people annually in tree planting and management activities.
Leaders Hail a Landmark for Communities and Climate
Speaking at the launch, Mayor David Skaith emphasised the importance of connecting urban communities with nature. "We’re incredibly lucky to have the coast and countryside on our doorstep, but for many people in our towns and cities, those spaces can still feel like a long way away," he said. "By working with West Yorkshire to plant millions of trees every year, we are connecting our communities with nature, tackling climate change and growing our White Rose Forest."
Mayor Tracy Brabin highlighted the legacy aspect of the plan. "I want every child in West Yorkshire to grow up with nature on their doorstep, and the White Rose Forest is helping to make that possible," she stated. "Together, we’re growing a well-wooded landscape that will strengthen our resilience and support our communities’ wellbeing for generations to come."
Iwan Downey, Programme Director for the White Rose Forest, framed the plan as a blueprint for collective action. "This Strategic Plan builds on our success over the last 25 years and sets out a clear roadmap for the next 25," Downey explained. "It’s about collective action - from the White Rose Forest team, local authorities and businesses to communities and landowners - to create a resilient, healthy and prosperous landscape."
The White Rose Forest is the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire and part of the national England's Community Forests network. It will guide the delivery of this 25-year vision through detailed five-year action plans, with progress monitored and reported annually.
