THOUSANDS of plastic tree guards left across the Yorkshire Dales are posing a pollution risk.

Conservationists fear the plastic guards which often stay on the trees for up to ten years can disintegrate into smaller fragments that can find their way into the soil and waterways.

The Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust working with the European Outdoor Conservation Association is planning to remove at least 38,000 tree guards from woods over the next 18 months.

They're asking landowners and community groups to contact them so they can find out where the redundant tree guards are.

Mike Appleton, YDMT Project Officer, said: “Most new woodland schemes will have been planted using plastic guards that provide essential protection from voles, rabbits, and deer.

"These guards are removed after approximately 10 years once the trees are established. If they are left on site the concern is over time they will disintegrate and find their way into our soils and waterways.

"We are working with landowners, volunteers and community groups to collect redundant tree guards, sending them to be recycled and used to make new products."

Trials are also being held with alternative guards to cut down on plastic. Mike at tubes@ydmt.org

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