⚠️ Archived Content
This page relates to the 2019–2024 National Park Management Plan, which is now archived. For the latest aims and objectives, please visit the 2025–30 Management Plan landing page.
Support landowners to create at least a further 450 hectares of native broadleaved and mixed woodland that enhances the National Park’s landscape by 2024, with priority given to projects that strengthen habitat networks, increase carbon storage and help to reduce flooding.
How the local partners are doing on this objective
Progress: 210 ha of native broadleaved and mixed woodland were planted in the 2024/25 planting season. Since 2018 around 1,500 ha of new native woodland has been planted within the National Park [awaiting figures for FC schemes].
Press releases & related articles:
20 May 2025 – Farm recommends woodland creation scheme
5 December 2023 – Woodland creation ‘on course’, as planting season begins
1 November 2022 – Arkengarthdale sees ‘great example’ of nature conservation
4 April 2022 – Family creates first ‘Grow Back Greener’ woodland
2 February 2022 – New Funding Agreement for Woodland Creation in The Yorkshire Dales National Park
18 January 2022 – New Collaboration to Scale Up Woodland Creation in the Dales
15 December 2020 – Bigger ambition for woodland in National Park
Rationale: There is a strong local track record of native woodland creation (over 1,000 ha planted in the last 10 years) but the National Park remains very sparsely covered by native woodland (2.5%). Defra’s 25 Year Environment Plan sets a national target of 12% coverage by 2060. There is still significant scope to increase native woodland coverage without detriment to farm viability, landscape character or wildlife. The southern edge of the National Park lies within the area of the proposed Great Northern Forest. The National Park is also within the area of the Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership, which has proposed the long-term creation of 35,000 ha of new native and mixed woodland along the northern Pennines.
Lead partner: Forestry Commission
Supporting partners: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority; Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust; National Trust; Woodland Trust; Environment Agency; White Rose Forest
Further information: YDNPA – Woodland Planting; Dales Woodland Restoration – YDMT;
Cost over 5 years: £2,700,000
Funding shortfall: £700,000
Related objectives: A1; A7; C1; C3?; D5; D7; E9
Ecosystem services: Climate regulation; Biodiversity; Water Flow; Soil erosion; Timber provision; Water quality; Recreation; Pollination; Genetic diversity; Regulating pests; A sense of place and inspiration; Tranquillity; Energy;
Trade-offs: Poorly-sited woodlands can have impacts on landscape character (A3); important historical sites (A6); important habitats (C1); important species (C2); and restoration of peatland (D3). These impacts are avoided/mitigated through the Dales Woodland Strategy and associated Woodland Siting and Design Guide.
Baseline: 0 ha