Views wanted on proposed new Yorkshire Dales woodland

Snaizeholme.

The Woodland Trust is seeking public comments and ideas on a proposed new woodland which it is hoped will boost a red squirrel reserve in the Yorkshire Dales.

The woodland is being planned on 222Ha (550acres) of land in the Snaizeholme valley, near Hawes.

The pop-in public consultation event takes place on this Saturday and Sunday between 10am -4pm at the meeting room at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes.

Al Nash, who heads up the Woodland Trust Snaizesholme project team, said: “Our acquisition of the land at Snaizeholme sparked the imagination and interest of thousands of Woodland Trust members and supporters who donated to our appeal to buy the land – and contacted us with questions.

“This public consultation event is a great opportunity to find out more about our plans.

“A crucial part of our vision is to extend and protect the existing red squirrel reserve.

“We’ll link with some of the neighbouring woodland – patches of which we suspect is ancient.

“We’ll also be aiming to create a mosaic of habitats, including open riverside meadows, upland peat bog, woodland, montane scrub and open acid grassland.”

Paul Mosley, communications and engagement manager, added: “This is a major project for the trust and we want to talk to as many different people as possible who have an interest in the area, as well as local groups and key conservation organisations who have all given us valuable feedback on our exciting plans.

“It’s also a good opportunity to ask key questions, complete a consultation form and to find out more about our tree planting schemes for farmers and landowners in the Northern Forest.”

More details on the event are available at woodlandtrust.org.uk/events

You can complete an online survey form by visiting https://bit.ly/3CVkX61

More information on our Snaizeholme appeal is available at https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/support-us/give/appeals/snaizeholme/