How to Help Wakefield Become Greener: Volunteer to Plant a Woodland

Imagine stepping into a forest years from now and knowing you helped it grow. That’s exactly the opportunity Wakefield Council is offering residents as it plans to plant a whopping 13,000 trees at Walton Colliery this January. It’s all part of a bigger mission to create a greener future for Wakefield and tackle climate change head-on.

Here’s how you can roll up your sleeves and make a difference.

Cllr Jack Hemingway

Why 50,000 trees matter

Wakefield Council has some ambitious plans. Over the 2025/26 season, they’re aiming to plant 50,000 trees across the district, starting with the 5.3-hectare woodland at Walton Colliery. This isn’t just about making things look prettier (though that’s a nice bonus). These trees will:

• Capture a tonne of carbon each when fully grown.
• Help reduce flooding risks.
• Create habitats for local wildlife.

This isn’t a one-off either. Last year, 700 volunteers joined forces with the Council to plant 45,000 trees at Bullcliffe Wood. Now, it’s your turn to get involved and be part of the legacy.

How to get involved

Volunteering sessions are happening on Wednesdays and weekends throughout January, and they’re perfect for anyone keen to do some good while enjoying the fresh air. Here’s the lowdown:

• You’ll need to book in advance (spaces are limited).
• Sessions run in the morning and afternoon, and you can book both if you’re feeling extra enthusiastic.

Whether you’re a family looking for a fun weekend activity or just fancy swapping your gym session for a bit of tree planting, everyone’s welcome.

A Win-Win for you and the planet

Volunteering isn’t just great for the planet – it’s also brilliant for you. Councillor Jack Hemingway, Wakefield’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, summed it up nicely:

“It’s a way to help tackle climate change, get some exercise, and give back to your community.”

Plus, there’s something satisfying about physically planting a tree and imagining the wildlife that will one day call it home.

Part of a bigger picture

Wakefield Council’s efforts fit into an even larger regional and national goal. They’re part of the White Rose Forest initiative, a project aiming to plant 7 million trees across West and North Yorkshire by 2025. The White Rose Forest will contribute to the Northern Forest, an ambitious plan to grow 50 million trees across the North of England.

Closer to home, this woodland is a stepping stone toward the district’s goal of becoming net zero by 2038, while the Council itself aims to reach net zero by 2030.

Ready to dig in?

If you’re keen to join the action, you can sign up for a session at wakefield.gov.uk/woodland. Tools, guidance, and plenty of good vibes will be provided – all you need is a bit of enthusiasm and a willingness to get your hands dirty.

So, why not start 2025 with a meaningful resolution? Planting trees isn’t just about today; it’s about creating a legacy for future generations – and that’s something worth getting involved in.