Our woodland creation programme
The Council is part of the White Rose Forest partnership that is creating woodland across West and North Yorkshire.
It is part of a larger programme of works, the new Northern Forest of 50 million trees, that will stretch across Merseyside, Manchester and Yorkshire.
When fully grown, each tree will capture a tonne of carbon. They’ll also help prevent flooding and create new habitats for wildlife.
Free tree giveaway
You can help us plant the White Rose Forest. Following a successful giveaway last year, residents can once again get free trees.
All trees are locally sourced and native to the UK. Birch, Hazel, Rowan and Blackthorn trees are available.
You can collect up to three free trees from the following libraries, when they're open:
You’ll need to bring a bag to carry them home in. If you don’t own the land, make sure you have permission before planting your tree.
Tree planting 2025
We planted 25,000 trees in the 2025 tree planting season.
Including 11,690 trees planted with the help of 280 volunteers across 28 days at Walton Colliery. Part of a new 5.3-hectare woodland at the heart of the White Rose Forest.
Planting trees helps tackle climate change. Making our district a greener and healthier place to live. Improving biodiversity and creating new habitats for wildlife.
The map shows where we’re planting and when.
Tree planting season winter 2022/23
Wakefield Council has planted two new woods in January and February 2023. One in the Gawthorpe area of Ossett and another in the Snapethorpe area of Lupset. With the help of around 500 volunteers, we planted around 32,000 trees on 19 hectares of land.
Members of the public suggested and then voted on names for the new woods. They are Maypole Wood (Gawthorpe) and Hope Wood (Snapethorpe).
Find out more
Contact us on WhiteRoseForest@wakefield.gov.uk for more information on:
- volunteering to plant
- creating a Tiny Forest on your school grounds
- private landowner planting opportunities
- business support
- any other enquiries
To volunteer as a tree warden visit: https://treecouncil.org.uk/tree-wardens/.