Decision details

To note that a new Strategic Plan has been developed and approved by the White Rose Forest (WRF) Partnership and to seek North Yorkshire Council’s endorsement of the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan 2025-2050.?

i) Note that a new White Rose Forest Strategic Plan (2025-50) has been developed and approved by the White Rose Forest Partnership.
ii) Endorse the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan (2025-50), demonstrating North Yorkshire Council’s support.
iii) Note how the Council can play its part in successful delivery of the Strategic Plan.
iv) Note the district priorities and targets included in the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan (2025-50) for North Yorkshire Council.
v) Note the strong link between the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan (2025-2050) and North Yorkshire Council’s emerging work on Tree & Woodland Policy and Strategy.
vi) Note that there is no funding included in the Council’s budget and there are no additional financial commitments for North Yorkshire Council as a result of endorsement of the Strategic Plan.

Endorsement of the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan (2025-2050) in support of delivering the partnership’s vision, aspirations and targets for tree and woodland establishment and management in North Yorkshire will signal the Council’s intent to lead and deliver across the largest council (by geography) in England. This will also consolidate the various activities previously undertaken prior to local government reorganisation and emerging policy and strategy work within the Tree & Woodland team.

The option to not endorse the White Rose Strategic Plan (2025-2050) was considered. It is recommended that this option is rejected as by endorsing the White Rose Forest Strategic Plan (2025-50), North Yorkshire Council will be demonstrating our support for the White Rose Forest partnership and the long-term direction and level of ambition of its Strategic Plan.