AN ambitious “back to nature” project in the Yorkshire Dales has won the financial backing of the Forestry Commission.

Through its English Woodland Grant Scheme, the organisation is to pump more than £100,000 into the initiative.

The project should ultimately transform 250 acres of densely-planted sitka spruce into a “vibrant” native broadleaf wood.

The backing for the project – at Forelands Rigg, near West Burton, in Wensleydale – is part of the commission’s drive to create a greener future by supporting landscape improvements and the extension of wildlife habitats.

Landowners UPM Tilhill have already felled twothirds of the conifer plantation after consultations with local people and organisations.

Replanting, with species such as sessile oak, ash, downey birch, hazel and hawthorn, is now under way.

The idea behind the project is to nurture a mosaic of habitats that are a haven for plants, woodland birds and other animals.

The commission’s regional director, Crispin Thorn, described the project as very significant.

“Well-managed conifer woodland is a real asset for the region, offering a sustainable resource,” he said.

“But Forelands Rigg occupies a prominent hillside position in the Yorkshire Dales, so there are enormous gains to be tapped from this scheme in terms of the scenery, wildlife and people.

“Semi-natural woodland covers only one per cent of the Dales, making this work even more significant in delivering our biodiversity targets.

“The clear-fell areas will quickly give way to new growth and the wildlife dividends will soon become apparent.”

The landowners have spread the felling work over three years to minimise disturbance, and timber sales are helping to finance the scheme.

UPM Tilhill district manager John Deakin said: “We are delighted to be involved with this project, providing us with a unique opportunity to create a woodland that will provide multiple benefits.

“The support of local residents during the harvesting period and of the Forestry Commission through their grant scheme has been instrumental in helping us to achieve this fantastic result.”