“West Yorkshire’s first nature recovery strategy describes how a greener, more diverse future can be achieved by realistic, practical action. I wish it every success.” Sir David Attenborough
The launch of the West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) this week marks an important moment for nature recovery across our region. For the first time, partners across West Yorkshire, including the White Rose Forest, have a shared, evidence-based plan that identifies where action is needed most to restore habitats, support wildlife and create healthier, more resilient places for people and nature.
But a strategy alone will not recover nature.
Turning ambition into action will require collaboration, investment, local knowledge and long-term commitment. That’s where the White Rose Forest comes in.
Delivering nature recovery on the ground with the White Rose Forest
As the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire, we work with local authorities, landowners, businesses, farmers, schools, charities and community groups to create and enhance woodlands, plant trees and improve access to nature.
While the Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides a clear picture of the priorities for nature recovery, the White Rose Forest delivers practical projects that contribute to those ambitions. From creating new woodland to improving natural flood management, enhancing urban green spaces and increasing tree cover close to communities, our work helps connect landscapes and create lasting environmental benefits.
Trees and woodlands have a vital role to play in nature recovery. They provide habitat for wildlife, improve air and water quality, help manage flooding, store carbon and create spaces where people can cool down and connect with nature. Through our programmes and partnerships, we help ensure these benefits are delivered where they are needed most.
A partnership approach
Nature does not recognise local authority administrative boundaries, and neither should nature recovery.
One of the White Rose Forest’s greatest strengths is our ability to bring people together. We work across local authority areas and sectors, helping partners identify opportunities to deliver projects at a meaningful landscape scale.
We are particularly interested in developing partnerships that can:
- Restore and connect habitats across wider landscapes;
- Support woodland creation and management;
- Deliver natural flood management and water resilience projects;
- Increase biodiversity and ecological connectivity;
- Improve access to nature and green urban infrastructure;
- Create long-term environmental and community health benefits.
Whether you’re a local authority, environmental organisation, landowner, developer, business or funder, get in touch to discuss how we can work together to deliver nature recovery ambitions across the region.
Communities at the heart of the White Rose Forest and LNRS
Successful nature recovery depends on people as much as places. Across North and West Yorkshire, communities are already making a huge contribution through local environmental projects, community woodlands, greening initiatives and conservation activities.
WRF is committed to supporting and amplifying this work.
We believe local people should have a meaningful role in shaping and caring for the natural environment around them. Community engagement is therefore a core part of our approach, helping ensure that nature recovery delivers benefits that are felt locally and enjoyed by everyone.
Local woodland owners explain their engagement with Riverholme Connections and beneficial impact of woodland planting with the White Rose Forest.
Whether we’re supporting community planting projects, engaging local groups in the design of green spaces or helping partners reach new audiences, we are always looking for opportunities to connect people with nature.
The role of volunteers in supporting the Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Volunteers are often the driving force behind successful environmental projects.
From planting trees and collecting seeds to helping maintain community woodlands and championing local green spaces, volunteers make an invaluable contribution to nature recovery.
As demand for environmental action grows following the launch of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, there are exciting opportunities for more people to get involved. We are keen to work with corporate partners, volunteer groups, community organisations and local champions who want to play an active role in creating greener, healthier places.
Volunteers at a White Rose Forest managed site
By bringing together local knowledge, enthusiasm and practical action, volunteers help ensure that nature recovery becomes something people do with their communities, rather than something done to them.
Looking ahead for Local Nature Recovery Strategy delivery
The launch of the West Yorkshire LNRS provides a strong foundation for the years ahead. It sets out a shared vision for a richer, more resilient natural environment and identifies where action can make the greatest difference.
Through partnership working, landscape-scale projects, community engagement and volunteering, we will continue to support the restoration of nature across North and West Yorkshire.
If you’re interested in collaborating on a nature recovery project, exploring funding opportunities, engaging your community or supporting environmental volunteering, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can turn strategy into action and create a greener future for people and wildlife alike.
Monika Antal, White Rose Forest Strategy Manager