FRESH impetus has been given to initiatives in the Yorkshire Dales which encourage the restoration of native woodlands.

The national park authority is urging farmers to make the most of the many funding sources currently available - timing the appeal to coincide with the tree planting season, between November and March.

Grants currently on offer include finance for individual landscape trees as well as The Forestry Commission's New Native Woods in National Parks Challenge Fund, which has been extended for a further two years and covers the cost of establishing new native woodlands over ten hectares in size.

Trees and woodlands officer at the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Geoff Garrett, said: "There has never been a better time for creating woodlands in the Dales. There are a range of schemes available today which have the potential to fully-fund the cost of new woodlands and to pay for their ongoing management."

Anyone wanting further information on the different options and the funding opportunities that are on offer should Mr Garrett on (01756) 752748.