(Image: Supplied)
A new grant scheme has been launched to help landowners plant more native trees and hedgerows as communities respond to the growing challenges posed by climate change.
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is leading the programme focused on the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the Forest of Bowland and Nidderdale National Landscapes.
Support will include advice on woodland design, funding routes, and recommended contractors.
Carol Douglas, woodlands manager at YDMT, said: "We’re really keen to speak to landowners about how we can help with funding and the resources to get trees into the ground this winter.
"We can provide bespoke support for landowners: from supplying and planting a single landscape tree, to creating a large native woodland or enhancing or creating new areas of scrub."
She said that in some circumstances, the scheme could extend to hedgerow projects.
She said: "In certain settings, we may also be able to support the creation or restoration of hedgerow if it links with other woodlands or trees and there are woodland management grants available for small woodlands."
Trees can help combat rising temperatures and soil erosion and support biodiversity.
Ms Douglas said: "We can provide bespoke support for landowners: from supplying and planting a single landscape tree, to creating a large native woodland or enhancing or creating new areas of scrub."
Since 1997, YDMT and its partners have helped plant more than 1.7 million trees.
Last winter alone, 36,474 trees were planted across 46 sites covering 10 hectares.
A resident of Ravenstonedale who previously received a grant said: "Thank you for assisting us to support and enrich our native wildlife.
"A few weeks ago we sighted a red squirrel in the woodland.
"We quickly added another three feeders and our red has since returned and allowed us to capture photographic evidence through our wildlife cameras.
"A massive thank you for all your support and funding."
YDMT also delivered 15 woodland management plans last year and removed 69,200 plastic tree guards from Dales woodlands.
The organisation is now calling on landowners with existing woodland or planting space to come forward.
Ms Douglas said: "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."
Expressions of interest must be submitted by August 31, 2026.
Applicants will then receive support to develop eligible planting schemes.
Further information is available by emailing woodlands@ydmt.org or by calling 015242 51002.