Community forest will grow for decades, say bosses

Planting as part of the Humber Forest has included 65 miles (104km) of hedgerow

The launch of a 25-year strategy for a community forest demonstrates a commitment to growing it for "decades to come", officials have said.

Since 2020, 292 hectares of trees - the equivalent to the area of 453 football pitches - have been planted in East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire as part of the Humber Forest.

Organisers said it would continue to work with communities and landowners to increase tree cover and maintain existing woodland, ensuring it plants "the right tree, in the right place, for the right reason".

Leah Cave, Humber Forest partnership manager, added: "We're very proud of the fantastic progress we have made in planting trees and hedgerows across the region."

As well as native trees, 65 miles (104km) of hedgerow have been planted, said organisers.

The forest is one of 15 community forests across England and forms part of the larger Northern Forest that stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire Coast.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is the accountable body, which works with farmers, landowners, businesses and communities. The council provide grants to cover up to 100% funding for planting and associated costs and for at least five years of establishment.

Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Humber Forest is a fantastic program to support our communities and tackle threats such as flooding and climate change.

"I encourage interested landowners to get in touch with the Humber Forest team and find out how they can be involved."

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices