Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
05
Jul 2023
Long Lands Common names wood after Harrogate conservationist
A newly planted woodland at Long Lands Common has been named after Harrogate conservationist Keith Wilkinson.
Mr Wilkinson founded Bilton Conservation Group and has played a key role in protecting local green belt land.
He was asked to unveil a new woodland sign on Saturday and to his surprise discovered it was named Wilkinson Wood.
The 1.62-hectare site consists of 740 trees that are a mixture of nine native broadleaf trees: sessile oak, English oak, wild cherry, bird cherry, common alder, aspen, field maple, hazel and goat willow.
The honour was bestowed at the third AGM of Long Lands Common, the community-owned woodland near Bilton created on land saved from the threat of a new road.
Keith Wilkinson at Oak Beck
Mr Wilkinson played a major role in that campaign as well as the project to open Nidderdale Greenway to walkers and cyclists. He was awarded an MBE in 2013.
He said:
Chris Kitson, secretary of Long Lands Common, introduced Mr Wilkinson to the 100 people looking on as "the man who has done more than anybody else we know to bang the drum for nature and conservation".
Read more:
- Knaresborough Forest and Long Lands Common campaigns to join forces
- Harrogate survives mass cull of train station ticket offices
The AGM also saw Long Lands Common members elect new board members, agree a new organisational structure and formally begin its partnership with Knaresborough Forest Park.
Talking about the partnership, Mr Kitson said:
0