Humber Forest have planted almost 500 trees across Driffield Showground, as part of a project to improve the local environment and enhance the showground. These trees absorb carbon, help to reduce flooding and provide food, shelter and habitats for wildlife.
Humber Forest is the community forest for Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. It is one of 15 community forests across England, and part of the larger Northern Forest that stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire Coast. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is the accountable body for the Humber Forest.
The planting at Driffield Showground includes a hedgerow near the offices and larger standard tree planting around the showground. The trees planted are native species, including hawthorn, hazel, dogwood, dogrose, field maple and blackthorn.
Humber Forest funds large and small projects, providing grants to cover up to 100% of agreed costs of tree planting, hedgerow creation and establishments costs. They are supported with funding from the Trees for Climate and Northern Forest Grow Back Greener funds, which are part of the Defra Nature for Climate Fund
The team are currently working with farmers, businesses and communities across Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire and are hoping to plant 250,000 – 300,000 trees by the end of March 2025.
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire cabinet member for environment and transport at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said “It’s fantastic to see Driffield Showground help grow the Humber Forest. Trees benefit communities and the environment, as well as helping to ameliorate soil erosion and flooding. I encourage interested landowners to contact the Humber Forest, to find out how they can participate in the initiative.”
Tom Woodall, Chief Executive at Driffield Showground said: “We’re delighted to work with the Humber Forest to play our role in improving our local environment. The Humber Forest have provided invaluable support in helping to enhance the local environment for visitors as well as improving the biodiversity of the area. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable volunteers who have bravely embraced the elements to participate in this inspiring project. Their dedication and hard work, even amidst challenging weather conditions, showcase the true spirit of community commitment.”
For more information, or to get involved, visit www.humberforest.org or email humber.forest@eastriding.gov.uk
