Our woodland creation programme

The Council is part of the White Rose Forest partnership that is creating woodland across West and North Yorkshire.

It is part of a larger programme of works, the new Northern Forest of 50 million trees, that will stretch across Merseyside, Manchester and Yorkshire.

When fully grown, each tree will capture a tonne of carbon. They’ll also help prevent flooding and create new habitats for wildlife.

Tree planting 2025

We’d love your help to plant the White Rose Forest. Whether you take part as an individual, a family, a group of friends or a team building exercise. Everyone’s welcome to get involved and give back to their community.

We’re planting a new 5.3-hectare woodland at Walton Colliery. We’re carefully selecting broadleaved and coniferous native woodland trees. Species that will thrive in the environment. Thanks to the help of volunteers, we planted around 45,000 trees last year.

Public planting sessions are taking place on Wednesdays and weekends throughout January. Volunteering spaces are limited, and you need to book.

You can choose a morning or afternoon session, or book both separately.

Location map: https://what3words.com/magic.tenure.muddy

Walton Colliery Site

Off Oakenshaw Lane, opposite Woodyard Cottages

WF1 5RZ

Parking is available at the site.

By planting trees, you’re helping to tackle climate change. It will also help to make Wakefield a greener and healthier place to live. Improving biodiversity and creating new habitats for wildlife.

Free tree giveaway

You can help us plant the White Rose Forest. Following a successful giveaway last year, residents can once again get free trees.

All trees are locally sourced and native to the UK. Birch, Dogwood, Hazel, Rowan, and Blackthorn trees are available.

You can collect trees from Thornes Park Nursery on Sundays between 10am to 12pm. You don't need an appointment.

You’ll need to bring a bag to carry them home in. If you don’t own the land, make sure you have permission before planting your tree.

The map shows where we’re planting and when.

Tree planting season winter 2022/23

Wakefield Council has planted two new woods in January and February 2023. One in the Gawthorpe area of Ossett and another in the Snapethorpe area of Lupset. With the help of around 500 volunteers, we planted around 32,000 trees on 19 hectares of land.

Members of the public suggested and then voted on names for the new woods. They are Maypole Wood (Gawthorpe) and Hope Wood (Snapethorpe).

Find out more

volunteering to plant
creating a Tiny Forest on your school grounds
private landowner planting opportunities
business support
any other enquiries

To volunteer as a tree warden visit: https://treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens/.