Thousands of new trees will be planted at Hardcastle Crags

In total, four thousand new trees will be planted in the woodland, including rowan, oak, birch, hawthorn and blackthorn.

The work, which is part of the woodland management plan, will see some beech trees felled, with some remaining as monoliths, to allow more light to reach the woodland floor.

By thinning branches and removing some trees, this will encourage more plants, like bluebells, to grow on the woodland floor. This will slow the flow of water in the valley, which will reduce flood risk. Many branches will be left in place below the trees. Not only does this ‘brash’ help slow water run-off, it is also an ideal nesting and feeding spot for woodland birds.

National Trust rangers will also be carrying out tree safety inspections. Some unhealthy ash trees have already had to be felled as a result of ash dieback, including one close to the famous stepping-stones near Gibson Mill.

National Trust ranger, Natalie Pownall, said, “We’ve noticed an increase in wildlife in areas where thinning has already taken place. Butterflies and insects have done really well in places where we’ve left brash piles behind, and birds have been nesting in monolith tree trunks.”

Craig Best, countryside manager for the National Trust, said, “We’re excited that our woodland management project is well under way. The work will see some trees felled but thousands will be planted in their place. We understand that some people have concerns about felling trees, but our work has been carefully researched to ensure we deliver the best possible outcome for nature, climate resiliance and reducing tree disease. The woodland management plan has been approved by the Forestry Commission and Calderdale Council. The new native trees will help diversify the woodland, bringing a huge benefit to wildlife.”

Contractors will be working to fell trees throughout Hardcastle Crags over the next few months.