Protecting ancient woodland


Mellor and Molly Carr Woods can be found in the valley near Castle Hill and is owned and managed by Kirklees Council. As ancient woodlands, they are home to a variety of wildlife. The area also holds cultural and historic importance to the local community.

With the help of hundreds of volunteers, we have now been able to connect the two woods. Read on to learn more about ancient woodlands, hear from some of the tree planters, and find out how you can get involved in future projects.

Rows of newly planted trees in protective guards located between Mellor and Molly Carr Woods.

Connecting the woodlands

Over 900 volunteers came together to plant 18 hectares of land with native tree species. The planting took place on land between Clough Hall Lane and Lumb Lane between October 2025 and March 2026.

This extended woodland provides a rich greenspace for visitors and wildlife to enjoy.

This project forms part of the council's woodland creation programme. This tree planting was made possible with support from the White Rose Forest the community forest for North and West Yorkshire, through their government-funded Trees for Climate programme.

Ancient woodland

Ancient woodland is a precious asset for communities, biodiversity and contributes to our national landscape. Any area of woodland that has persisted in England since 1600 is recognised as ancient woodland.

Throughout the UK, only 2.5% of land remains as ancient woodland.

As our richest and most complex land habitat, they offer unique benefits to local biodiversity and are home to more threatened species than any other.

What to look out for

You will know you are in an ancient wood when you spot things like:

  • bluebells
  • dogs mercury
  • enchanters nightshade
  • red campion
  • wild garlic

All these species can be found in ancient woodlands across Kirklees.

They also have centuries of undisturbed soil, decaying wood and old trees which are the perfect home for many insects and plant species.

Find out more about ancient woodland with the Woodland Trust.

Community benefit

The tree planting has already brought the community together, along with the benefits of fresh air and exercise, and given many volunteers the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.

As the woodland grows, so will its value. It will become an extended greenspace for the community to enjoy, will be a welcome home to new wildlife, and will help to protect to local area from flooding. More widely, the trees will help to improve local air quality and contribute to capturing carbon and other pollutants in our atmosphere.

This is part of efforts to meet government targets and the West Yorkshire local nature recovery strategy targets for increased tree canopy cover. The planting also reinforces Kirklees Council's environment strategy targets for nature recovery.

The people who make a woodland

A woodland doesn't plant itself, and this project took 931 volunteers 1,862 hours over 55 separate sessions.

An overview of all the planted trees between Mellor and Molly Carr Woods.

A special thanks to the local schools, Kirklees College, the University of Huddersfield, local scout groups, and all the charities, businesses, and council staff that got involved.

Together, volunteers planted 11,000 trees and created 18.9 hectares of new woodland, the equivalent to over 26 football pitches.

The planting activity was planned by Kirklees Council's Woodland Development Team with support from the wider council, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), River Holme Connections, and Colne Valley Tree Society.

Response from volunteers

Muthu Kumar, Sri Sathya Sai Organisation

"We felt great about participating in the tree planting event as it's planting hope for a healthier, cleaner, and brighter future. Every tree we plant today helps create fresh air, protects wildlife, reduces pollution, and leaves a lasting gift for future generations."
Members from the Sri Sathya Sai Organisation taking part in a tree planting session in Shelley.

Honley High School

"Everyone got thoroughly stuck in - from digging holes to hammering in stakes - with students showing great teamwork, resilience and enthusiasm throughout the afternoon. We are excited to return in future years to see how the woodland grows and develops."

Southgate School

"Just wanted to say a huge thank you. Both groups of pupils really enjoyed this fantastic opportunity. They had never even planted trees before!"
A student from Southgate School participating in tree planting.

Lowerhouses School

"We had a wonderful time planting trees with the children from our Gardening Club! Their excitement and care for our environment truly shone through as they learned about the importance of trees and how they help our planet grow strong and healthy."

District Programme Team Leader, Huddersfield Southwest District Scouts

"It was a pleasure to work alongside Kirklees Council's Woodland Development Team, having spoken to many of the young people who attended I can say that they all thoroughly enjoyed the day (even with the damp conditions), and will surely feel that they have helped to do their bit for the environment."
Members from the Huddersfield Southwest District Scouts participating in acorn planting.

Get involved

Tree planting usually takes place in autumn and winter and everyone is welcome to get stuck in. You can see upcoming sessions on our Eventbrite page: Kirklees Council Woodland Development Team Eventbrite.

We are looking into how more of you can get involved in looking after the newly planted trees and woodlands. If you would like to support us to care for local woodlands, keep checking Eventbrite for new sessions.

Was this information helpful?