Help Plant 5.8 Million Trees in Leeds
- Nov 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Woodland Creation
Your local Labour-led council is taking decisive action to tackle the climate emergency and deliver a greener future, committing to making Leeds carbon neutral by 2030. A core part of this vision is an ambitious woodland creation scheme that will double the amount of woodland in our city, planting 5.8 million trees by 2045.
We are looking for volunteers to help plant these trees.
Leeds North East Labour Party member, Margaret Cliff, shared her experience of planting trees last winter:
'I volunteered with the Leeds City Council Woodland Creation Team, planting 'whips' (young trees), at Bramley Park, Tarnfield Park, Chevin Forest and Meanwood Park. It's a winter activity, therefore cold and sometimes wet or even snowy, but the hard work keeps you warm and there is huge satisfaction at the end of the day in seeing the hundreds that have been planted. Volunteers include local people and, in some cases, dedicated people who travel across Leeds to take part numerous times at various locations. Some asylum seekers joined us, enjoying the opportunity to contribute to local environmental projects in the fresh air and to talk to other volunteers. The Council's woodland specialists showed us how to do the planting, supplied the equipment and were happy to discuss the wider White Rose Forest project. Altogether it is a very positive experience and I'm looking forward to joining in again this winter.'
Benefits of planting trees
Trees are a vital part of the environment. They remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and provide oxygen. This is crucial in reducing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions.
They act as air filters, capturing harmful pollutants by trapping them on their leaves and bark.
Woodlands provide a place to connect with nature, helping people to relax and unwind, which benefits both mental and physical health.
Trees and woodlands are important habitats for wildlife. Mature trees provide places to shade and reduce urban temperatures.
Flooding can also be prevented by keeping soil in place and their roots soaking up water. This reduces the amount of surface water building up and removes pressure on drainage systems in urban areas.
Get involved!
We need the energy and passion of local residents to make this a success. This is your chance to physically contribute to our city's biggest environmental push.
Seed Gathering (Autumn): Help us collect the essential native seeds to grow our future woodlands.
Tree Planting (Winter): Get out your woolly hat and plant saplings from late November to February.
Ready to get involved with Labour’s environmental push?
Email woodlandcreation@leeds.gov.uk today to sign up as a volunteer and help us build a greener, healthier Leeds!
