TREES: Thousands of trees were planted by volunteers last weekend at the Butterley Reservoir
TREES: Thousands of trees were planted by volunteers last weekend at the Butterley Reservoir

Community unites in tree planting mission

Green fingered volunteers from across Yorkshire headed to the stunning Butterley reservoir last weekend to help plant the first of thousands of trees in the surrounding area.

Huge restoration works are currently being undertaken at the historic site by Yorkshire water with the reservoir being bled for the past two years in build up to the current operations.

With the water levels at an unprecedented low for its 300-year history, White Rose Forest and Woodlands Trust have been contracted to carry out environmental work.

Amongst their many projects, the two organisations will be planting thousands of trees, across the treachery cliff and hills looking down upon the reservoir.

Through liaising with members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) from across the Yorkshire area, the group undertook the mammoth task of transporting 2,000 trees, guards and materials across the treacherous steep terrain, where the mountain ash and oak tree saplings were finally planted.

VOLUNTEERS: Young and old got involved with the project which involved over 2,000 trees on Saturday
VOLUNTEERS: Young and old got involved with the project which involved over 2,000 trees on Saturday

Fields of Bradford project manager, Ian Butterfield, said: “The planting is part of a 7,000 tree project at Butterley Reservoir.

“The project has been put together by Yorkshire Water, White Rose Forest and The Woodland Trust.

“Forest of Bradford (a partner of White Rose Forest) is working with AMYA to plant 2,000 trees on Saturday 21st March.”

Kamal Aftab, Regional Youth Leader for AMYA Yorkshire, has been involved in many similar projects previously and was impressed with the turnout on the day.

He added: “The Butterley reservoir holds a significant role in the area.

“By completing this project we are bringing people from various areas and different faiths, or those of no faith, to collaborate and celebrate what we have and contribute together to enhance the environment in which we live.”

Over the past six years AMYA has planted over 125,000 trees across the country and continue to host their own planting events as that total goes ever higher.