YORWOODS, the Yorkshire woodland initiative, has revealed major expansion plans.

Its funding runs out on December 31 but experts are now putting together a business development plan to attract new funds. This plan is also expected to see Yorwoods grow to take in the whole of North and East Yorkshire while working closely with its counterparts throughout the region.

"Woodlands, and the processing of products from them, have a vital role in the economy and environment of rural Yorkshire," said Mr Martin Glynn, director of Yorwoods.

A meeting of the Yorwoods Partnership, held at its base at Aske Hall, Richmond, agreed a set of proposals for the future.

The Forestry Contracting Association and C J Piper & Co, chartered foresters, were appointed to draw up the business development plan and to apply for funds. Likely sources of funding include the Rural Development Regulation, Objective 2 and partnership funding.

Initial talks have already been held with MAFF/FRCA, the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber and Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency.

The future plan includes working closely with fellow woodland initiatives the South Yorkshire Forest Partnership, Lincwoods and the White Rose Forest, which would mean the whole of the Yorkshire and Humber region would benefit.

Mr Glynn was delighted with the partnership's continuing commitment to Yorwoods. "It is a vote of confidence in what we have achieved over the last three years," he said. "There is a lot of hard work to be done in the forthcoming months to secure the essential funding, but I am confident that, once we show people our proposals and what we can do for the region, they will be keen to support us."

Another new feature would be increased joint working between Yorwoods, Northwoods and Cumbria Broadleaves, all of whom cover similar upland territory across the North of England.

Yorwoods was launched in September 1997 by Mr Elliot Morley, English Forestry Minister, following approval of £1m support from the European Union and MAFF. Its mission is "to enhance and extend the woodlands of North Yorkshire to provide a sustainable resource which contributes to increased economic activity and a better environment.