The Humber Forest has celebrated the planting of its millionth tree at a special ceremony in West Park, Goole, underscoring the town’s commitment to environmental sustainability as part of its 200th anniversary celebrations. The event saw attendance from local dignitaries, including Goole Councillors Anne Handley and Nick Coultish, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Mr. Jim Dick, OBE, and Goole Town Mayor James Coopers.
A highlight of the ceremony was the commemoration of the 1933 planting of an oak tree in the park by Prince George, Duke of Kent, with Mr. Jim Dick OBE representing the Crown. The Humber Forest initiative, which partners with farmers, businesses, landowners, and the wider community, offers grants covering up to 100% of planting and maintenance costs, with options for extended ecosystem service payments for larger sites.
The benefits of these tree planting efforts are far-reaching, including habitat creation for wildlife, improving public spaces, reducing soil erosion and flooding, and enhancing air quality. Since its launch in 2022, Humber Forest has planted trees at 515 sites across Hull, East Yorkshire, and Northern Lincolnshire. Over 6,000 volunteers—including local businesses, community groups, and schools—have contributed to the initiative, collectively planting 375 hectares of trees and 137km of hedgerow, equivalent to the distance from Bridlington to Sheffield.
Supported by Defra, Humber Forest serves as the community forest for Hull, East Yorkshire, and North Lincolnshire, and forms part of the larger Northern Forest from Liverpool to the Yorkshire Coast. East Riding of Yorkshire Council acts as the accountable body for the Humber Forest.
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for environment and transport, commented: “This is a great achievement and we’re proud to support the Humber Forest to reach a fantastic million trees planted. These trees play a key role in improving biodiversity, mitigating flooding and reducing air pollution for residents. We highly encourage interested landowners to get in touch with the Humber Forest team to see how they can become involved.”
Leah Cave, Humber Forest Partnership Manager, added: “We’re proud to support communities across Hull, East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire, and it’s great to reach this milestone. We look forward to expanding the Humber Forest in years to come, and spreading the benefits it provides to the environment and local communities.”
The Goole planting aligns with the town’s bicentenary celebrations, which feature a series of public events. For more information on how to get involved with tree planting, visit www.humberforest.orgOpens a new window or contact humber.forest@eastriding.gov.ukOpens a new window. Details about Goole’s 200th anniversary events can be found at www.goole200.org.ukOpens a new window.
