Purpose

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.?

Decision

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.

Reasons for the decision

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.

Alternative options considered

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.