Forestry England has announced it is to create a 35-hectare woodland near Harrogate.
The woodland will be located at Haverah Park between Beckwithshaw and Killinghall. It will be planted as Coronation Woods to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.
The site will become the second Forestry England site in the district, alongside Stainburn Forest.
Forestry England, which is an agency of the Forestry Commission, is England’s largest land manager.
The organisation said in a press release today the woodland will contribute to its ambition to create 2,000 hectares of new woodland by 2026 provide public access for recreation, habitats for wildlife, and sustainably-grown timber.
It added the woodland designs will be informed by site surveys, and the public will be invited to comment on the proposals later in the year.
It did not reveal how much it had paid for the site.
Haverah Park, Google Street View
Gareth Parry, Forestry England’s forest management director in Yorkshire, said:
“The nation’s forests are absolutely critical to the fight against climate change, and expanding England’s tree cover is an essential part of this work.
“Research has shown that being amongst nature improves our health and wellbeing, so public access will be established for local communities to enjoy and share this green space.”
Haverah Park entrance, Google Street View
The government plans to increase tree planting rates across the UK to 30,000 hectares per year by the end of this parliamentary term.
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New mental health event for men to launch in woods near Harrogate
It is well-known that men are less likely to open up about their mental health issues, but many struggle to do so.
In an effort to encourage talking, Born of the Forest has launched Men’s Woods for Wellbeing, a men-only event, set in 3.5 acres of woodland near Harrogate.
The forest school’s free initiative will run on Monday evenings at 7pm until 8.30pm, with the first one taking place on April 25.
The sessions have been developed to improve men’s wellbeing and mental health and will focus on talking, being part of a group and enjoying the benefits of nature.
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They are being led by owner Chris Silverwood and his brother-in-law Stevey Gilkes, who say they have been “blown away” by the support received since the initiative was announced on social media on Wednesday night.
Mr Silverwood said:
“The idea came about because we are all aware of the impact the pandemic has had on mental health and that men are less likely to seek help.
“The sessions are our opportunity to use our amazing woodland, to give something back to the community and provide an opportunity for men to get together, talk and listen, whilst learning some skills, chopping wood and sitting around a campfire.
“We thought that this environment and format may be something that guys would be interested in, and we’ve been blown away by the response on social media.
“The session is free and no need to book, just turn up. Although I’m a bit worried it is going to be so popular that the carpark won’t be big enough!”
Born of the Forest is currently expanding its forest school offer, with more holiday and after-school clubs, school visits, pre-school sessions and a new therapeutic forest session for children and young adults with special educational needs or disability.
The private woodland is located next to Follifoot Cricket Club. Directions can be found here.