Sapling Natural Protection @ Castle Howard - Yorkshire

Join us at Castle Howard to build natural protection structures around newly planted saplings to improve woodland pasture biodiversity :)

Who is this for?
Young people aged 18-30 interested in spending time outside with other like-minded folk and keen to learn about natural regeneration of woodlands, the biodiversity of scrub, and how to think like a naturally regenerating woodland system!

What to expect:
In December, 30 young people planted around 300 saplings at the Castle Howard site. To make sure these trees fully establish, we plan to build up scrub banks around these to mimic the natural process of woodland regenration. We'll spend the day collecting logs and sticks, and building large protective strucutures, whilst also learning about the importance and diversity of wooded habitats.

About the Castle Howard site:
Castle Howard is the newest youth-led rewilding project at Youngwilders. It covers about 50 acres of the estate in Yorkshire with wood pasture, a wet woodland and a stream called Mill Hills Beck.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday 31st January 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Castle Howard, York YO60 7BY

Group Size: Approx. 25

Food:

Snacks, tea and coffee will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch!

Getting there:

Via Train:

The closest train station is Malton. We will be organising lifts at 9:30, from the station to the site for those who need it. At the end of the day we will be organising lifts back to the station by 4:30.

If you have any questions re: getting to the site via public transport, please reach out to Layla (layla@youngwilders.uk).

Via Car:

If you are able to drive to the site, please let us know in the order form as we will be trying to encourage car sharing wherever possible! Parking will be available on the site.

What3Words Meet Point: nerves.solo.nicknames

Accessibility:
We can offer travel reimbursement (up to £30), so if you can send us receipts or proof of travel payment and your bank details, we will reimburse you as soon as possible. Please send the reimbursement request to Noah (noah@youngwilders.uk) with a PDF attachment.

The site is relatively flat but can get very muddy, please bring grippy and if possible waterproof shoes (i.e walking boots) if possible, or let us know if you need to borrow some.

We will be using tools, including handsaws and loppers, protective gloves will be provided as well as clear direction and many helping hands.

There is access to a toilet, which is roughly a 10 minute walk from where we will be working, and there is access to phone signal across the site.

If you have any questions or concerns about accessibility, please do not hesitate to reach out to Layla (layla@youngwilders.uk), who would be more than happy to discuss this.

Sign up now to reserve your FREE spot!

We can't wait to see you there :)