Issue - meetings

To consider the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025-50.

Wards affected: all

Contact: Guy Thompson, White Rose Forest Programme Director

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025-50.

The Cabinet received a report outlining the White Rose Forest (WRF) Strategic Plan 2025–2050. The Plan was presented as a long-term strategic framework for increasing tree cover, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting climate resilience across North and West Yorkshire. Cabinet noted that the Council, acting as the accountable body for the WRF partnership, had played a significant role in the development and coordination of the Plan, which aligned with national targets and the Government’s Trees for Climate programme.

Cabinet was advised that the Strategic Plan set out five key objectives, including (i) increasing tree canopy cover, (ii) restoring woodlands, (iii) engaging communities, (iv) promoting the benefits of trees, and (v) ensuring the sustainability of the WRF. The Plan was expected to underpin future funding bids and guide the development of a detailed five-year Action Plan (2025–2030). The report outlined that the WRF had already exceeded its woodland creation targets, with over 2,000 hectares planted and significant investment secured through DEFRA grants.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025-50.