Hutton Rudby

Stokesley, North Yorkshire

This planting site backs onto a chain of named woodland set in North Yorkshire’s beautiful landscape, just outside Hutton Rudby village.

We have chosen to plant a combination of shrubs, minor broadleaves and trees here because the site has a propensity to be quite wet for prolonged periods and there is a small risk of flooding. Because of these conditions, we have chosen to avoid planting species that are less likely to thrive, focussing instead on plants that can tolerate moist, slightly acidic, conditions.

Trees were planted as bare rooted 40-60cm whips and were protected with 1.2m tree tubes and stakes in clusters of the same species, randomly spaced. Shrubs protected with 75cm shrub guards and stakes. Random gaps were left to provide open areas in the woodland.

In partnership with

Site Updates

July 2025

Survival Survey
85% survival rate

The landowner was happy to carry out his own survey this year and was very pleased with the result. He estimates that at least 85% have survived, perhaps because of the damp conditions here.

He is also able to carry out his own maintenance, straightening wonky stakes with a mallet after high winds. About a year ago he mowed the whole area so that the trees did not face undue competition.

This year the trees are surrounded by thistles and nettles - being so close to the river the ground is very fertile - but with some of the trees out the top of the tubes he decided not to worry about it this year. He has said that the number of butterflies now in evidence is amazing so biodiversity is on the rise here.

February 2023

Tree Planting
700 trees planted

We recently planted 1000 trees nearby at Great Ayton, so we hoped this could be the start of a landscape recovery joining up the dots between sites. We aimed for a high level of tree species diversity to maximise the area’s usefulness for wildlife.

In total we planted 700 trees and shrubs here with the help of some very enthusiastic volunteers, including ten corporate volunteers from Reuseabox and one of their children, and also some local volunteers. We had expected to take two days but the volunteers worked exceptionally well together and we completed the job in one day!

Feedback from the corporate volunteers was very positive.” We all had a really nice day. Steve and Andy were very welcoming and showed us exactly what to do. All equipment was provided.”

A public footpath runs across the site, so it will be possible for the volunteers to visit to see the progress of the trees in the future.

Site Location

Help Protect Earth - Take Action Now

Volunteer

Help us create and maintain new woodlands, hedgerows and wildflower meadows! We need volunteers to sow seeds, plant saplings, clear invasive plant species and pick up litter. No qualifications necessary; jobs for all ages and abilities. Come and turn climate anxiety into climate action!

Upcoming Events

Fund Our Work

With government funding for reforestation and rewilding tenuous, we increasingly rely on our amazing community to keep us growing regardless of political shifts. Help Protect Earth continue to restore ecosystems and improve biodiversity across the country.

Sponsor Trees Donate

Support the Land Fund

Help us put down roots! Your donations to our Land Fund let us seize the moment when the perfect piece of land comes up for sale. Every penny helps us secure community woodlands, healthier ecosystems, and a greener future for generations to come.

Land Fund