Harrogate: New woodland to be planted to celebrate King Charles

A new woodland is set to be planted at a park in North Yorkshire to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

Forestry England has said it will share design plans for the recently acquired 35-hectare site at Haverah Park, near Harrogate, with members of the public.

Gareth Parry, from Forestry England, said the new woodland will provide "a range of environmental benefits".

He added: "Public access will be established for local communities to enjoy and share this green space."

Mr Parry, Forestry's England's forest management director in Yorkshire, said forests were "absolutely critical to the fight against climate change - and expanding England's tree-cover is an essential part of this work"."Once established, the woodland will provide a range of environmental benefits, as well as a sustainable source of UK-produced timber.

The new woodland, which will be located between Beckwithshaw and Killinghall, will be planted alongside existing Forestry England woodlands in the area.

The woodland will provide access for public recreation, as well as habitats for a range of wildlife and sustainably-grown timber.

"Well-managed forests can improve air and water quality, while reducing soil erosion and providing a space for wildlife," said Mr Parry.

"Research has shown that being amongst nature improves our health and well-being, so public access will be established for local communities to enjoy and share this green space."

The plans are part of Forestry England's stated target to create 2,000 hectares of new woodland by 2026.

The King's Coronation took place at an elaborate ceremony at Westminster Abbey in May 2023, watched by more than 18 million people.

Last week marked the King's return to public engagements, following the announcement in February that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

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