A new woodland is taking root in East Yorkshire as volunteers have planted 38,000 trees in Cottingham, part of a wider initiative to enhance green spaces and biodiversity across the region.
The 25-hectare woodland, being developed around Yorkshire Water’s Cottingham pumping station, is a key component of the Humber Forest project, which contributes to the larger Northern Forest spanning from Liverpool to Hull.
The initiative, led by the Woodland Trust, aims to boost the UK’s woodland coverage and provide much-needed habitats for wildlife.
Alasdair Fagan from the Woodland Trust emphasized the impact of the project, particularly in an area with one of the lowest woodland coverages in England.
“Yorkshire and Hull is known to be the least wooded area in England, with just 2.2% woodland cover, which is really low,” Fagan explained.
“So, adding 25 hectares on the urban fringes of Hull and Cottingham is going to make a really big difference—not just for nature, but also for people, giving them access to more green spaces.”
The project is supported by Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund, which finances environmental initiatives aimed at combating climate change and increasing biodiversity.
Native tree species such as oak, birch, aspen, rowan, and wild cherry have been planted, ensuring a diverse and resilient woodland ecosystem.
Volunteers Make a Difference
Among the many volunteers who participated in the tree planting event were Dan Wilkinson-Cain and Jackie Cain, both of whom expressed their enthusiasm for contributing to the environment.
Jackie Cain shared her motivation for getting involved: “I wanted to give something back and make it look lovely for future generations.”
Another volunteer, Lorraine Graham, highlighted the positive impact on local wildlife. “It would be absolutely great to be able to get out and see more variety of bird life,” she said.
Richard Hampshire, a nature reserve warden for Yorkshire Water, noted that the new woodland would serve as an important refuge for various species.
“This space is now protected,” he stated. “There are orchids growing down here, we’ve been hearing the bullfinches calling, song thrush, green woodpeckers—so loads of really wonderful bird life. All this on people’s doorsteps, and it’s safeguarded for generations to come.”
A Long-Term Vision for Green Spaces
The Humber Forest initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase tree coverage across the UK, promoting environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change.
The Northern Forest, which stretches across the north of England, is a vital effort in reversing deforestation trends and improving air quality.
With thousands of trees now firmly in the ground, the woodland in Cottingham is set to grow into a thriving green space, benefitting both nature and the local community.
As the trees mature, they will provide crucial carbon capture, prevent soil erosion, and create a haven for a variety of wildlife species.
For those who took part in the planting effort, the experience was not just about contributing to the environment but also about fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Thanks to their dedication, future generations will enjoy the benefits of a greener and more vibrant East Yorkshire.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
