Mail staff to deliver new wood for Dales
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.NIGEL BURNHAM
The Yorkshire Dales national park yesterday announced that a new wood, named after its sponsors, the Royal Mail, is to be planted beside the Pennine Way and the River Aire at Airton in Malhamdale, near Skipton.
Royal Mail Wood will comprise 750 broad-leaved trees, including ash, oak and rowan, paid for out of pounds 10,000 raised by staff of Royal Mail North East.
The project, launched with the planting of the first tree next Wednesday, will be the first wood to be planted under sponsorship in the national park.
Royal Mail managers and staff will be involved in the work, helping to prepare footpaths, erecting foot bridges and organising work parties to co- ordinate the planting of the one-acre wood.
A spokesman dismissed criticism of the wood's name and objections from local conservationists, who told the national park: "Corporate sponsorship and national parks do not mix."
"There's nothing wrong with the name," said the spokesman. "We're not talking about Sherwood Forest here - it's just a little wood that reflects our desire to have a positive impact on the welfare of the community, in particular through environmental work."
Richard Witt, development officer for the Yorkshire Dales national park, said: "A lot of people might not like the name but we feel it's a small price to pay to give the landscape additional character and beauty, as well as being a vital refuge for wild animals and plants."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments