'Wet woodland' being created near East Riddlesden Hall

The planting is taking place on the lower fields of 17th-century National Trust property, East Riddlesden Hall.

A mixture of native broadleaved species, including birch, hazel, alder, willow, blackthorn and hawthorn, is being used.

The National Trust says the wet woodland will provide "an important self-regulating environment" for a wide range of flora and fauna, while sequestering carbon, providing a "buffer" against pollutants and reducing flood risks.

More than 4,000 trees are due to be planted, on a site covering around four hectares.

National Trust staff are being supported in the planting by volunteers, community organisations and businesses.

Pupils from Eastwood Community School in Keighley took part in a session last month.

Biodegradable, reusable plastic guards are being used to protect the young trees from grazing by rabbits and deer. Many of the guards were previously used at another National Trust site, Hardcastle Crags.

Trust ranger, Nick Chuck, says: "We decided to take this field out of grazing and plant the area as woodland, which we hope will provide a far better habitat than the problematic wet and fertile meadow that it has been.

"It will also take in water which would otherwise be in the river and help to alleviate flooding downstream.

"The area adjacent to the River Aire is a flood plain, and its capability to store water will be improved by more trees establishing their roots, slowing the flow of water.

"As parts of the area are frequently flooded they have become heavily dominated by crack willow, with very few other tree species present. Beneath the willow, the ground flora is predominantly Himalayan balsam.

"The site is home to several animal species which are of conservation interest. Sand martins are known to nest in the river’s vertical banks, with a population of around 100, while otters have also been spotted from the hall.

"The new woodland is expected to improve the habitat for otters, which may use the fields to travel from one section of river to another, by providing more and better cover. The otters aren't expected to be disturbed by planting, which is only carried out during daylight hours.

"Two pairs of barn owls are present in the area too, with the rough grassland alongside the river providing good feeding grounds. And hedgehogs, foxes and deer have also been spotted."