A MAJOR nature restoration programme has been launched in the region.

The Landscapes for Water initiative will see trees planted, peatlands restored and natural flood management measures implemented across the South Pennines, which includes Keighley and the Worth Valley.

Behind the venture are the National Trust and Yorkshire Water, which have been awarded £1 million in funding by White Rose Forest.

The programme was launched with the airlifting of 45,000 tree tubes and stakes onto sites on Marsden Moor, in readiness for planting to take place in the new year.

Over the next five years, Landscapes for Water will aim to deliver schemes throughout the South Pennines to protect habitats and wildlife, repair damage to moorland and reduce flood risks for communities downstream.

In total, 350 hectares of native trees will be planted around the edges of moorland, mostly in small valleys, to soak up surface water.

The saplings will also add to the White Rose Forest, which is supporting Landscapes for Water through its Government-financed Trees for Climate grants programme.

Guy Thompson – programme director for the White Rose Forest, whose partnership aims to plant seven million trees across the region by 2025 – says: "The Government funding we can provide to all landowners across North and West Yorkshire is helping to plant trees where they are needed most.

"Trees and woodland are vital for our environment, biodiversity, economy, industry and health and wellbeing of our communities."

Jess Yorke, National Trust project lead for Landscapes for Water, says: "We are very grateful for the support from the White Rose Forest and are thrilled to have been able to begin preparations for tree planting.

"The Landscapes for Water programme is ambitious, but we believe work on this scale is vital to protect the unique habitats, wildlife and communities of the South Pennines. We are looking forward to the start of tree planting in the new year and will be reaching out to members of the community to join us for planting days when this begins."

Hazel Earnshaw, lead countryside and woodland advisor for Yorkshire Water, said the company was "proud" to be involved.

She added: "Together, Yorkshire Water and the National Trust are the largest landowners in Yorkshire. We have a responsibility to the people and wildlife that live in our catchment areas to restore our uplands.

"We are proud to be working on this programme with the National Trust."