A FLEDGLING climate action group has completed its first major project.

Oxenhope Climate Action planted around 400 trees across two sites in the village.

The planting day was organised by Julie Lever, a co-founder of the group.

She said: "It was a real success story.

"Two local landowners were very supportive, identifying suitable areas for the tree planting, and members of the group were involved in the actual planting itself."

The project was carried out in collaboration with YORgreen CIC, a Keighley-based community interest company.

Funding was provided by White Rose Forest, a community forest for North and West Yorkshire which is working with local authorities, landowners, businesses and communities to plant more trees across the region.

A spokesperson said: "Trees ‘lock in’ carbon, which can mitigate the effects of climate change – around one tonne of carbon in an average tree’s lifetime. In addition, trees benefit the environment for example by providing a haven for birds and wildlife, and encouraging wild flower growth.

"We know that most people want to help combat climate change caused by carbon emissions, but often people don’t know how. Tree planting is one way we can all get involved to do this."

Another co-founder of the Oxenhope Climate Action group is 'H' Gregg.

He said: "Working to reduce the effect of climate change at a local level, Oxenhope Climate Action was set up in early 2022 by a small number of local residents who realised that time was getting very short to do something about the effects of climate change.

"Oxenhope Climate Action is all about working at a community level to do our bit for the environment by helping and encouraging people to take small steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

"We didn’t know what to expect when we opened the group out to the public six months ago, but the response has been really favourable and we have received tremendous support from across the village."

The group says it welcomes enquiries from other landowners who may be interested in benefitting from future tree planting days.

Further information about Oxenhope Climate Action can be found at oxenhopeclimateaction.org.uk.

The website also includes a range of guidance and tips for people to help reduce energy consumption around the home, information about initiatives such as the reduction of plastic waste and use of environmentally-friendly cleaning products, and details of how to get involved in the group.