Why have we planted trees on the moorland edge?
- Published:
- 08 June 2026
As the climate is changing, all of us are more susceptible to extreme weather events like flooding and fires. Tree planting is one of the ways in which we can make our land more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Since 2022, we have planted more than 60,000 trees around the fringes of Marsden Moor ‒ only on slopes and in clough valleys, never on deep peat or blanket bog.
In 20 years, these trees will have grown into upland woods, full of native trees like oak, birch, hazel, rowan and holly, which will act as wildlife-friendly corridors through the cloughs across the moor, boosting biodiversity and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
"The benefits of trees in the fight against climate change are now well understood. They lock up carbon, reduce pollution and flooding, and support people, wildlife and farming in adapting to the climate crisis."
Landscapes for Water
These trees have been planted as part of Landscapes for Water ‒ our joint project with Yorkshire Water ‒ which has planted more than a hundred thousand trees on moorland edges over 5,500 hectares of the South Pennines, as well as carrying out peatland restoration and installing leaky dams.
The new trees will form part of the White Rose Forest, the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire, and have been funded via the Trees for Climate grant programme, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate fund. The National Trust's partnership with England’s Community Forests directly contributes to our commitment to plant and establish 20 million trees by 2030.
These aren’t the actually the first woodlands to be found on these South Yorkshire moors.
Ancient tree stumps can be found across Marsden Moor, revealing a dynamic landscape that has featured trees and woodlands back to the last Ice Age. However, in recent centuries many trees have been felled for building or charcoal burning.
"By creating these clough woodlands, we are turning back the clock in ecological terms and hoping to protect the landscape for people and nature for centuries to come.” ‒ Jess Yorke, project manager Landscapes for Water
Managing risks
The National Trust is committed to maintaining these woodlands, and the Trees for Climate grant includes maintenance funding for 15 years after planting. This includes checking on their growth; replacing trees that fail to thrive; and managing threats from vegetation, grazing animals and fire.
Fire
While mature woodlands will improve the landscape’s resilience to climate pressures such as moorland fires, young trees are vulnerable to damage by fire as they establish. National Trust are working with partners to fund fire breaks that are cut by the Rangers and contractors each year.
Our partners
Yorkshire Water provides essential water and waste water services across Yorkshire.
The White Rose Forest is the community forest for North and West Yorkshire, working in partnership with local authorities, landowners, businesses and communities to increase woodland across the region and improve our natural environment.
West Yorkshire Combined Authority works across West Yorkshire to develp and deliver policies, programmes and services which directly benefit the people of West Yorkshire.
Nature is our future
If you’re concerned about the decline in nature, like us, take a stand by adding your voice to our campaign and writing to your MP.
