Yorkshire's woodland wonders: branching out for nature

Bluebell woodland

© Jon Hawkins Surrey Hills Photography

Yorkshire's woodland wonders - branching out for nature

Our woodlands

Yorkshire is filled with a wealth of amazing woodlands that are diverse and vital for both wildlife and climate resilience. As we emerge into longer days, a spring woodland walk is one of the best ways to enjoy a wilder Yorkshire!

Some of our favourites include glorious Grass Wood nature reserve, one of the largest areas of broadleaved woodland in the Dales; fungi-filled Hollinhurst Wood and sculptural ancient woodland Hetchell Wood nature reserves near Leeds.

UK woodlands cover approximately 13% of land and are estimated to soak up around 21 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. That's around a third of the carbon dioxide emitted by cars every year in the UK!
woodland

Green Match Fund

Thanks to your amazing support, we raised a grand total of £21,213 during the Big Give’s Green Match week, which will all go towards our woodland management and mapping efforts.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s woodlands cover over 700 hectares, across 116 nature reserves. Declining quantity and quality of woodlands means 1 in 5 of our mammal species are now at risk of extinction. With your help we can branch out further for our woodlands and ensure they are healthy and resilient for the future.

We still have a tree to climb, to meet our ambitions, but thanks to you, we are off to a thriving start!

Yorkshire's woodlands

Discover the unique characteristics of the different types of woodland we manage across Yorkshire.

View of the woodlands in the woodlands. The tree on the left is higher and it's roots are visible all down the bank

(c) Joanna Richards

Ancient woodland

Present since at least 1600, featuring species like wood anemone and enchanter’s nightshade.

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A moss covered boulder in a dense, green woodland. Photo by Jono Leadley

(C) Jono Leadley

Broad-leaved woodland

Deciduous trees with broad leaves, such as oak and beech.

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Sunlight over Askham Bog

Credit: Daniel Malone

Wet woodland

Thriving in poorly drained soils, with species like willow and alder.

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Caring for Yorkshire's woodlands

Our woodlands play a crucial role in addressing climate change and flood control. Learn about the vital work we do to preserve and protect Yorkshire's woodlands:

Habitat restoration: Rejuvenating degraded areas to support wildlife.

Species monitoring: Tracking the health and population of key species.

Community events: Involving local communities in conservation activities.

Traditional management: Techniques like coppicing and hedgelaying to maintain diverse habitats.

Read inspiring stories and updates from our team and volunteers and how you can get involved. Learn about the latest projects, events and success stories in our woodlands and how to experience the very best of them this spring.

Branch out and get involved

From volunteering in our wonderful woodlands, to supporting our work through membership, there are many ways you can get involved.