MORE than 20,000 native trees have been planted to create a new woodland called Ormsgill Wood in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Located on the hillside above Airton and boasting long distance views over Malhamdale, it comprises a series of new gill woodlands that have been planted to provide important habitat for wildlife, including black grouse.

Headwaters of the River Aire meander through the site creating wetland areas where moisture-loving species have been planted, such as Downy Birch, Silver Birch, Rowan, Hazel, Bird Cherry, Sessile Oak, Goat Willow and Hawthorn.

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) co-ordinated the project in partnership with the Woodland Trust, the Forestry Commission and Yorkshire Farming and Wildlife Partnership.

YDMT is now inviting people to help make this new woodland extra special by dedicating some of the young trees on behalf of family, friends and loved ones.

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust chief executive, David Sharrod, said: “We’d like each of these trees to tell a tale.

"We hope to fill this young woodland with happy memories and good wishes by inviting people to dedicate trees to celebrate special occasions, such as births, weddings and anniversaries, or by dedicating a tree in memoriam.”

It is part of the Dales Woodland Restoration Programme, which is delivered and funded by a partnership including YDMT, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Forestry Commission.

By working together with landowners, more than 1.2 million new native trees have been planted across the region through the partnership, bringing long-lasting benefits to wildlife, the environment and the landscape.

The work is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have raised £896,181 for YDMT to date.

The trust is particularly keen to hear from landowners in the Ingleborough area.

Contact Chris Lodge at YDMT via chris.lodge@ydmt.org or by calling 015242 51002 for more details about the grants and the long-term income potential of woodland creation.

The next closing date for initial funding applications is August 26, with other application windows to follow.

Visit ydmt.org or call YDMT on 015242 51002 to dedicate a tree in Ormsgill Wood for as little as £10.