Planting for a new woodland owned by the University of Leeds has begun on the Northern edge of the city.
A new woodland situated near Golden Acre Park in Bramhope is being planted in a hope to increase Yorkshire's tree cover.
The site, owned by the University of Leeds, is a whopping 37-hectares - the equivalent of 37 rugby pitches.
It will eventually be home to 66,000 new trees, a mixture of broadleaf species including oak, elder, hornbeam, wild cherry and silver birch.
The first tree, an oak, was put into the ground by Roger Gair, who worked at the University for more than 40 years and retired last year. The woodland, called Gair Wood, takes his name.
Image: University of Leeds
The Gair Wood will contribute to the target set by the White Rose Forest - the community forest for West and North Yorkshire, for 7 million more trees by 2025.
Mr Gair said: “This means an awful lot to me. The wood will benefit the environment, the academic work of the University and the people of Leeds, and I am deeply honoured to have my name associated with it.”
Following the ceremonial planting, the focus now switches to the mass planting which will happen in early 2023, and they are asking for volunteers to help out.
No planting experience is needed and full training will be given. If this sounds like something you'd like to get involved with, book onto one of the planting sessions here.
Image: University of Leeds
Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds, said: "Roger was a fantastic servant of the University for more than 40 years, calmly guiding its growth and development through periods of great change.
“The Gair Wood project also embodies the philosophy of the University. It is the result of collaboration with partner organisations, and it will be a fantastic resource for the public to enjoy for decades to come and for our researchers to use to further scientific study into climate change.”
The finale of The Celebrity Traitors is hitting our TV screens next Friday, and there’s a big screening party happening in Leeds especially for it.
Don't panic guys, it's happening.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
And that’s because Belgrave Music Hall, one of the city’s most beloved event spaces and bars, will be hosting a finale watching party and we’re all invited.
Taking place next Friday 23 January, fans of The Traitors are invited to watch the finale which kicks off 9pm in the canteen.
Best part? The tickets are absolutely free and we've no doubt there'll be some banging drink deals on to get the party started.
We’re already searching our wardrobes for an item of clothing that remotely resembles a cloak.
Announcing the news to Instagram, Belgrave said: "The world famous Traitors finale screening is back at Belgrave! In the past we've been graced with the presence of OG Faithful @theomayne1, plus our Clauds has been known to make an appearance (please scroll for evidence)... twists and turns are promised 👀"
So to give this series of The Traitors a proper send off, get yourself to Belgrave Music Hall from 6pm and enjoy a few beverages with like minded fans whilst screaming at the screen as Claudia makes her way into the frame.
Whilst we're on the topic, has anyone got an incredibly glossy black fringed wig we could borrow?
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires have announced a huge gig in Halifax
Daisy Jackson
Hollywood Vampires are heading back out on tour, with a huge Yorkshire gig announced for this year.
The supergroup, which consists of one of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as one of rock’n’roll’s most iconic names, are set to perform at the AO Arena as part of a run of shows.
Hollywood Vampires is made up of A-lister Johnny Depp, as well as rock royalty including Alice Cooper, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, plus Tommy Henriksen.
They last performed with an arena tour back in 2023, making these their first gigs in almost three years.
Hollywood Vampires have now announced a return to the stage, with a show at the iconic Piece Hall in Halifax on 22 August.
They’ll be supported by The Jesus and Mary Chain, who marked their 40th anniversary in 2024 with a new album, Glasgow Eyes.
Johnny Depp supergroup Hollywood Vampires announce Manchester gig. Credit: Aaron Perry
Hollywood Vampires formed in 2012, named after Cooper’s celebrity drinking club of the same name where the aim was reportedly to ‘drink until no one could stand up’.
Over the years, the supergroup has worked with the likes of Paul McCartney, Dave Grohl, and Zak Starkey (formerly the drummer for Oasis).
A Three Presale for tickets will take place from 10am on Wednesday 21 January, followed by a venue presale on Thursday 22 January, then general sale from 10am on Friday 23 January.
Clementine Hall -
5th December 2022 
