Survey sees record demand for city woodland

More than 400 applications have been submitted suggesting potential woodland locations

A record number of possible locations to create woodlands around Leeds have been submitted following a public survey.

The recent poll by Leeds City Council received 400 submissions, four times more than previous years

The city's Woodland Creation scheme is part of plans to make Leeds carbon neutral by 2030.

Mohammed Rafique, the council's executive member for climate, energy, environment and green spaces, said of the sites put forward about 260 were "viable for planting".

'Worked wonders'

The success of the survey has been attributed to improvements in technology, with those taking part being asked to drop a pin on an online map rather than respond to an email.

Mr Rafique said the technology had "worked wonders" and described the engagement as "massive".

"All suggestions are screened for land ownership and underground utilities," he said.

"So far, we have around 260 locations that are viable for planting."

Chairman of The Friends of Moortown Park, Pat Ingle, applied for a community orchard

One area which has already seen trees planted is Moortown Park, where a local group pitched the idea of growing a community orchard.

"It was our dream," said Pat Ingle, chairman of the Friends of Moortown Park

"We have a couple of pear trees, a couple of apple trees and a plum tree.

"It'll be a few years before they produce a lot of fruit, but in the future we hope park users will willingly come along and just pick them when they're ready."

He said council specialists had helped recommend varieties that were most suitable for the park.

"I think it's fantastic," he said. "We need these trees to help with climate change issues. They're essential, but they're all so beautiful."

It is hoped the Woodland Creation scheme will see 5.8 million trees planted over a 10-year period.

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