Snaizeholme appeal, North Yorkshire

Snaizeholme is a unique and complex habitat restoration and nature recovery project 20 miles north of Settle, close to the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Thanks to your support, our work at Snazeholme will include planting and careful habitat restoration that will bring huge benefits to people and wildlife, including:

• the creation of a vibrant mosaic of habitats
• a wildlife haven for rare species including red squirrel and black grouse
• a link to other vital restoration projects across the upland landscape, from peat bog and limestone pavement to riverside meadows
• a resilient landscape that will help fight the effects of climate change, lock away carbon, improve water quality and alleviate flooding.

What's next for Snaizeholme?

The hard work to create a mosaic of habitats for wildlife and people here in the Yorkshire Dales is just beginning. This first phase of tree planting at Snaizeholme has been funded by the White Rose Forest through its Trees for Climate funding programme. Trees for Climate, part of Defra’s Nature for Climate fund, provides grants for woodland creation within all Community Forest areas in England.

Tree planting

With a tree cover of less than 5%, the landscape here is crying out for more trees. We're planning to plant almost 291 hectares (719 acres) with native tree saplings, creating one of the largest new native woodlands in England. It will join riverside pasture, wooded valley sides, peat bogs and limestone pavement to form a diverse mix of wildlife-rich habitats.

The careful approach to planting will create groves, glades and open woodlands that gently transition into and connect with the other habitats, all delivered without the use of plastic tree guards or herbicides. The total number of trees we plant will be determined as the work develops, working closely with our partners at the University of Leeds and the University of York.

Peatland

Snaizeholme has more than 270 acres of upland peat bog, which should act as a huge sponge to absorb rainfall and slow the flow of flood water down the valley and into the River Ure. At the moment it is scored by drainage channels, causing the soil to erode and streams to fill rapidly, drying everything out. This puts the species that live there under pressure. We'll restore this important peatland to a healthy state.

Slowing the flow

With a staggering 21 streams running down into Snaizeholme Beck, there is a huge amount of work needed to slow the headlong rush of water downstream during heavy rains. Alongside our plans to restore peatland, we'll use leaky dams to slow water flow and trap sediment, all while letting fish and native crayfish safely slip through.

Limestone pavements

Two large areas of fossil-rich limestone pavement sit above the peat bog. They are a refuge for ground nesting birds such as golden plover and are used by black grouse during breeding displays. The pastures here are also strongholds for the delicate mountain pansy. We'll protect this rare habitat with seasonal grazing.

Dry stone walls

Snaizeholme is criss-crossed with old dry stone walls, perfect for harbouring small mammals and common lizards. We'll maintain walls that offer a variety of conditions - whether shady, sun-warmed, exposed or sheltered - keeping the landscape's character and providing corridors and habitat for wildlife.

Tree protection

Deer, rabbits and sheep can cause havoc by browsing and nibbling at newly planted saplings. We have promised to use plastic-free alternatives to tree guards by the end of 2021 and the trees we plant at Snaizeholme will be included in this pledge.

There's still time to help

A heartfelt thank you to the charitable trusts, corporate partners and our incredible supporters that have helped to secure Snaizeholme for the future.

Will you help us realise our vision at Snaizeholme? Any donation you can give, however large or small, will support our vital work here.