Who we are
The North East Community Forest is a growing regional partnership working to create greener, healthier and more resilient places across the North East.
Established in 2021 as part of England’s Community Forests, we bring together local authorities, landowners, environmental charities, businesses and community groups with one shared mission: to plant more trees and create thriving natural spaces.
Our partnership works across towns, cities, coastlines and rural landscapes. From planting new urban woodlands, and restoring hedgerows to improving parks and transforming school grounds, we’re helping to grow a greener future for everyone who calls the North East home.
Our Vision
“To create a thriving, resilient and sustainable multipurpose forest that delivers lasting benefits for people, economy, nature and the environment across North East England for generations to come.”
What we do
Our Forest Team coordinates this work, supporting partners, landowners and communities through planning, funding, and delivery. Whether it’s small community planting or large strategic woodland creation, we provide expert advice and access to competitive grants like the government-funded Trees for Climate, to help turn good ideas into real projects.
Use this website to apply for funding, explore some of our projects, or find ways to work with, or support us.
Where we work
The North East Community Forest spans 1,246 square miles (3,235km²) across North East England. Our main delivery area includes Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland and key urban and coastal areas of County Durham.
This core area forms our main boundary connecting people and places through woodland creation and other nature-based projects. We sometimes work up to 10 miles outside our main area to help connect green spaces across the region.
