THOUSANDS of trees are to be planted across North Yorkshire in an attempt to replace some of the county's lost native woodland.

About 100 hectares each year will be planted in the North York Moors and Howardian Hills, following a report on the benefits of native woodlands to wildlife.

The report, by acclaimed forest expert Dr George Peterken, was commissioned by the Forestry Commission, the North York Moors National Park Authority, The Royal Forestry Society and the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in an effort to identify opportunities to link and reinforce woodland areas in the district.

Now, all the agencies will work together to help put the plan into action and make funding available to landowners.

"Restoring native trees and shrubs to replanted woods and better management of existing woodland can now be targeted to best effect," said national park authority woodland officer Paul Harris. He said both the moors and the Howardian Hills were already well-wooded by national standards, which was a good framework for the scheme.

His enthusiasm is shared by native woodland development officer Mike Chapman, who will be overseeing the task.

"Since October we've helped landowners to submit applications for nearly 150 hectares of new native woodland," he said. "We're always keen to help people make the most of their woodland."

Updated: 09:48 Monday, December 30, 2002