White Rose Forest launches 25-year tree plan

January 19, 2026

A major environmental programme spanning the whole of Yorkshire has unveiled ambitious long-term plans to transform the region’s natural environment, enhance wildlife habitats, and make green spaces easier to access for local communities.

The White Rose Forest partnership has published a new 25-year Strategic Plan, setting out a vision to plant up to 134 million trees across North and West Yorkshire by 2050. The initiative aims to create a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient region while supporting biodiversity recovery and community wellbeing.

The launch of the strategy was marked by a ceremonial oak tree planting on Woodhouse Moor in Leeds, carried out by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith.

Covering the period from 2025 to 2050, the plan outlines a long-term framework to reshape Yorkshire’s landscapes, strengthen natural ecosystems, and ensure more people can benefit from time spent in nature.

Mayor Skaith highlighted the importance of improving access to the natural environment, particularly for people living in urban areas. He said that while Yorkshire is fortunate to have coastline and countryside nearby, many residents still feel disconnected from these spaces.

He added that increasing access to nature is essential for both mental and physical health, and that large-scale tree planting across the region will help reconnect communities with green spaces while tackling climate change and expanding the White Rose Forest.

Mayor Brabin echoed these sentiments, stating that her ambition is for every child in West Yorkshire to grow up with nature close to home. She said the initiative represents a practical response to the climate emergency, combining environmental action with long-term benefits for communities.

She added that the project will help create a well-wooded landscape that strengthens regional resilience and supports health and wellbeing for generations to come.

Approved by the White Rose Forest board—which includes local authorities, combined authorities, and national park authorities—the strategy will be delivered in collaboration with landowners, community organisations, businesses, charities, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Key targets include increasing tree and woodland cover across the region from 12% to 16.5%, with an aspirational goal of reaching 18.5%, alongside improved protection and management of existing woodlands.

The plan also prioritises improving access to green spaces, with an ambition to double the number of households located near accessible woodland. In addition, it aims to significantly increase public involvement, engaging up to 16,000 people each year in tree planting, woodland care, and environmental stewardship.

Delivery of the strategy will be guided by rolling five-year action plans, with progress tracked, monitored, and reported annually to ensure transparency and accountability.

Iwan Downey, Programme Director for the White Rose Forest, said the partnership is focused on delivering tree planting and woodland management where it is most needed across North and West Yorkshire.

He explained that the new Strategic Plan builds on 25 years of progress and provides a clear roadmap for the next quarter-century. He added that success will depend on collective action—bringing together public bodies, businesses, landowners, and local communities—to create a resilient, healthy, and thriving landscape that supports nature, people, and sustainable economic growth.