Case Study

YDNPA – Needlehouse woodland creation and boundary improvements 

Over the 2025/26 winter season, Habitat Works delivered a fencing infrastructure and woodland creation project for Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) at Needlehouse, near Sedbergh, covering an area of approximately 5.1 hectares.

The project forms part of a wider woodland creation scheme aimed at expanding native woodland cover, improving habitat connectivity, and enhancing biodiversity within this upland landscape. Works included extensive fencing installation and replacement alongside large-scale native tree planting to support long-term habitat establishment.

While the site offers strong potential for woodland expansion, existing fencing infrastructure was no longer sufficient to support this. Without intervention, grazing pressure would limit tree survival and prevent successful woodland development across the scheme area. The nature of this remote site with its steep gradients, uneven terrain and variable ground conditions, presented logistical challenges for both fencing installation and planting operations. Our team, having delivered multiple similar projects across sensitive and difficult to access landscapes, were delighted to support the scheme.

  • Enabled establishment of 5.1ha of new native woodland creation.
  • Planting of approx. 2,500 native trees to support long-term habitat development.
  • Installation of 1,650m of new stock fencing to protect woodland establishment.
  • Removal and replacement of 900m of existing fencing to improve site resilience.
  • Creation of protected regeneration zones (3 x 4.2m enclosures).
  • Strengthened habitat connectivity across the Yorkshire Dales landscape.

Scope of Works

We delivered a coordinated programme of fencing renewal, infrastructure installation and native woodland planting across the full 5.1ha site area.

Works included removal of approximately 900m of existing stock fencing, followed by installation of around 1,650m of new fencing designed to secure grazing boundaries and protect establishing woodland. This was supported by the installation of multiple field gates, a pedestrian gate, and the relocation of existing access infrastructure to improve site functionality.

Approximately 2,500 native trees were planted across four areas of the site, with each area enclosed and protected to ensure successful establishment. In selected compartments, timber exclusion enclosures were installed to create higher-density planting zones designed to encourage long-term woodland development.

Health and safety was a key priority throughout delivery, with comprehensive planning undertaken prior to works commencing. Site-specific assessments, utilities checks and detailed coordination with the client ensured safe mobilisation across a challenging upland environment.

The project was delivered during winter conditions, with periods of cold, wet and variable weather adding complexity to site operations. Careful management of access, ground conditions and plant movement was essential to maintain safe working practices throughout.

Works were delivered by an experienced team familiar with remote and steep terrain conditions, with careful management of machinery use, manual handling and access constraints throughout.

The Needlehouse project has delivered a significant step forward in woodland creation and habitat enhancement within this part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With fencing infrastructure now in place and extensive native planting completed, the site is well positioned to develop into a resilient and connected woodland landscape over time.