By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees set to consider funding plans that could see thousands of hectares of new woodland created by 2030

Kirklees councillors are meeting today (Tuesday 24 March) to consider ambitious funding proposals that could significantly expand tree planting across North and West Yorkshire.

As the accountable body for the White Rose Forest partnership, which leads the community forest initiative for the region, the council will review plans to extend the Trees for Climate programme through to 2030.

Thousands of hectares of woodland proposed

If approved, the funding would support the creation of thousands of hectares of new woodland over the next four years.

The work would be delivered through the Trees for Climate programme, part of the Government’s ‘Nature for Climate’ fund.

The investment is also expected to kickstart delivery of the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025–2050, which sets out a long-term vision for woodland creation, management, and wider environmental and community benefits across the region.

Two flagship programmes at the heart of the plan

At the centre of the strategy are two major woodland creation programmes designed to benefit both urban and rural areas.

The Green Streets initiative will focus on planting trees and developing woodlands in towns and cities, while Landscapes for Water will target priority river catchments across Yorkshire, aiming to reduce flood risk for vulnerable communities.

Through Trees for Climate, both private and public landowners would receive funding and support to establish new woodland on their land.

Climate goals and community benefits

David Shepherd, Director for Place, said: “We are committed to making our district carbon neutral by 2038. It has been proven that trees actively remove carbon from the air, and tree planting on this scale will help us make our vision a reality.

“Staff and volunteers have already planted three million trees across North and West Yorkshire since the Trees for Climate programme began.

“They have helped create natural flood management, improve air quality, and make our towns more appealing for businesses, whilst creating spaces where people will want to walk, wheel, and cycle more often.”

“Alongside our White Rose Forest partners across the region, we will continue addressing the climate crisis and building a cleaner, greener future for everyone.”

A regional partnership driving change

The White Rose Forest is one of England’s 15 Community Forests and brings together a wide partnership of local authorities, combined authorities, national parks, charities, Defra organisations, and community enterprises.

Kirklees Council has served as the accountable body for the partnership since 2002. It will continue working with national partners to deliver the Trees for Climate programme if the proposals are approved.

Further details of the long-term vision can be found in the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025–2050, available online.