Tree canopy continues to grow thanks to Kirklees’ partnerships
The tree canopy in Kirklees continues to grow thanks to our ongoing joint efforts alongside community groups and volunteers.
Our Woodland Development Team, as part of the White Rose Forest programme, engaged community volunteers to plant over 12 hectares of new woodland, equivalent to 19 football pitches, using a mix of native broad-leaf species.
Kirklees Park Rangers, River Holme Connections, The Conservation Volunteers, and the Colne Valley Tree Society held 42 planting sessions at 14 different sites. More than 600 volunteers participated from various organisations, including Support 2 Recovery (S2R), Fresh Futures, Highfield Scouts, local schools, and staff and volunteers from Huddersfield University and Kirklees Council.
From November 2024 to March 2025, over 600 volunteers participated in 42 tree-planting sessions across various wards, including Batley East, Birstall & Birkenshaw, Colne Valley, Holme Valley South, and Kirkburton & Newsome.
Local schoolchildren who planted trees will name some of the woodlands, fostering a deeper connection as they and the trees grow together.
We have been the lead organisation and accountable body for the delivery of the White Rose Forest programme since 2002. The White Rose Forest is the community forest for North and West Yorkshire. The programme works with communities, landowners and farmers to plant trees where they are needed the most.
Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment:
“We’re proud to lead the White Rose Forest initiative in Kirklees. I am thrilled that our tree planting sessions bring the community together to contribute to a better future for everyone. Planting new woodlands creates a legacy that benefits the environment, wildlife, and people, serving as a place of lasting natural beauty that will be protected for generations to come.
Our efforts in creating biodiverse habitats not only support wildlife but also enhance human life, giving us the best chance to adapt to our changing climate.”
Dani Aspinall, Senior Project Officer for The Conservation Volunteers, said:
“All habitats, wetlands, moorlands, grasslands and woodlands must be improved to increase fauna and flora biodiversity. So, by planting trees for Kirklees Council, each tree planting season improves the woodland biodiversity in those areas. The council have been great to work with, providing us with lots of support and accommodating our niche way of working”
Lucy Goulding at the University of Huddersfield said:
“Our staff and students have had the valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning a new skill in a practical way to address the climate emergency. Spending an afternoon outdoors has enhanced their well-being by reconnecting them with nature and allowing them to contribute actively to a project that will benefit the local community by creating new woodlands.”
Jason Kerry at Support 2 Recovery said:
“Support to Recovery’s ‘The Great Outdoors’ project promotes well-being through a connection with nature. We are dedicated to helping all adults in Kirklees maintain good mental health, and one terrific way to do this is by planting trees! Not only do we engage in physical activity and spend time outdoors, but we also learn new skills, meet new people, and contribute positively to our environment. There is something truly special about returning to a planting site five or ten years later and seeing the difference you’ve made, knowing that these trees will thrive long after you are gone.”
More information about the woodland creation programme can be found at Kirklees Woodland Creation.