YDMT power up to help maintain woodland

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) linked up with United Gas and Power recently to help maintain one of its supporter woodlands.

Seven members of the team from the Guiseley-based energy supplier climbed up to Bargh Wood, near Stainforth, to ensure it continues to mature and provide a vital habitat for wildlife.

The team straightened and weeded hundreds of trees at the broadleaved woodland as well as removing some redundant tree guards from the site.

Maintenance like this is important if the wood is to reach its potential in mitigating climate change and providing a vibrant biodiversity.

Joanna Czternastek, UGP’s Head of Marketing, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our association with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Businesses have a significant role to play in the path to future net zero and as an energy company we’re in the privileged position of being able to support the YDMT with their great work in the Yorkshire Dales.”

Rated as one of the UK’s best business energy suppliers, United Gas and Power began supporting YDMT at the beginning of 2020 with a pledge to donate a minimum of 1,000 trees per year – with one tree pledged each time a customer signs up to UGP’s Green Energy supply.

At the end of the year, they had helped to plant an amazing 1,031 trees and hope to support another 1,000 this year.

Leah Galloway, Development Officer at YDMT, added: “One of the best things we can do to mitigate climate change is to plant trees. At YDMT, we have supported the planting of more than 1.5 million since 1996.

“Once they have been planted it is important to make sure they are well maintained to give them the best chance of surviving – especially in the uplands of the Yorkshire Dales.

“It was great to welcome the team from United Gas and Power to Bargh Wood to help us look after the woodland – and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of being outside too. We’re looking forward to doing the same again later in the year.”