By KLTV Newsdesk –

Volunteers rally through autumn rain to grow new woodland and protect ancient habitats across Kirklees

Volunteers have been out in force throughout the autumn to help grow Mellor and Molly Carr Woods, vital pockets of ancient woodland beside Castle Hill.

The tree-planting season got off to a strong start at the end of October, when 50 of the Scouts’ youngest recruits, aged just four to six, began collecting fallen acorns.

The aptly named ‘Squirrels’ used their finds to plant the first seeds of the season, marking the beginning of a community-wide effort to expand and connect woodland in the area.

Record turnout for tree planting challenge

Volunteer groups have continued planting seedlings over recent weeks, but last weekend saw the biggest turnout yet.

Around 130 Scouts and Cubs from across the local area challenged themselves to plant an impressive 1,000 trees in a single day.

Armed with spades and wheelbarrows, the Scouts dug holes, carried trees and shifted soil, pausing only for plenty of warm hot chocolates.

Despite heavy rain, their efforts resulted in enough newly planted trees to fill an entire football pitch.

Council praise for young volunteers

Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment, praised the achievement of the young planters.

“A huge congratulations to the local Scouts and Cubs – what an achievement! Over the years, they can watch the trees grow, and once they’re adults, they’ll see a woodland in its place.

“As well as working with the Scouts, we have also invited community groups, schools and the university to get involved. This woodland will be a product of the community, and it’s something for local people to be proud of.

Scouts embrace ‘Protect the Planet’ project

West Yorkshire Scouts said the project had captured the imagination of young people across the region.

“The Scouts are all really excited to be involved, and it has been great to see them get stuck in.

“Over the last two years, Scouts across West Yorkshire have been taking part in eco-projects, from litter clearing, to learning about the origin of their food, and of course, tree planting.

“This is all part of our ‘Protect the Planet’ project where the Scouts are encouraged to think about their own impact on the planet and the part they can play to protect it.”

Expanding and connecting ancient woodland

Volunteers working alongside Kirklees Council’s Woodland Development Team this autumn and winter aim to plant around 20 hectares of woodland across the borough.

The work forms part of the White Rose Forest tree planting programme and includes creating new woodland, expanding existing sites, and connecting ancient woodland such as Mellor and Molly Carr Woods.

Ancient woodland takes hundreds of years to establish and is the UK’s richest and most biodiverse land habitat. Every new tree planted around Mellor and Molly Carr Woods helps to protect and link this precious natural asset.

While most planting will take place in Almondbury, native broadleaf trees will also be planted in Greenhead, Newsome and Dewsbury, working with Friends of Groups and local residents.

How to get involved

There are still plenty of opportunities for people to take part in future tree planting sessions. Upcoming events can be found on Kirklees Council’s Parks and Greenspace Eventbrite page.

Growing a community forest for Yorkshire

Kirklees Council’s tree planting initiatives are led by the council’s Woodland Development Team, working closely with communities and supported by the White Rose Forest through its Trees for Climate programme.

The White Rose Forest is the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire and works in partnership with local communities, businesses, charities and Defra organisations to plant and manage trees and woodland where they are needed most, benefiting both people and nature.