Yorkshire Dales parish plants trees for the future

RESIDENTS of Scosthrop near Airton have teamed up with Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) Rangers and Dales Volunteers to put some greenery back onto an old quarry site.

The idea came from a passing comment to Parish Meeting Chairman, Trevor Brooks, from a resident who suggested planting a few trees for future generations on Quarry Hill near Airton. The site belongs to Scosthrop Parish but has not been used as a quarry in living memory.

Trevor is also an active Dales Volunteer with the National Park Authority (YDNPA), so, after the idea had been agreed within the Parish, he knew who to ask for help.

Geoff Garrett, the Authority’s Trees and Woodland Officer recommended a planting scheme and arranged for the Authority to provide and pay for 230 trees, which included hawthorn, holly, hazel, bird cherry, rowan and ash.

A group of 25 people – parishioners and Dales Volunteers, supported by Malhamdale Access Ranger Giovanni Mezzanotte and Geoff – then spent a cold Sunday morning planting them.

Mr Brooks said: “I would like to thank all the parishioners, the Dales Volunteers and the National Park Authority staff who helped to take this idea through to fulfilment.

“It really is amazing what can be achieved with a few willing and committed individuals. Hopefully, in a few years time, the trees at Quarry Hill will be providing shelter for local wildlife and a great deal of pleasure to those who see them in full bloom.”

Geoff said: “The National Park Authority would welcome other initiatives, like this, from parish councils and parish meetings.

“Any landowners can contact me about creating woodlands or speak to their Area Ranger about other small conservation or enhancement schemes.

“If they have the ideas and if we can find any necessary funding, our Dales Volunteers may be able to help, by working alongside interested people from the parish, as here, at Scosthrop.”

Geoff can be contacted at the YDNPA offices in Colvend, Grassington, on 0870 1 666 333.

• Photo shows some of the tree planters on the track up to the quarry which is now lined on one side with saplings.