The North East Community Forest (NECF) is delivering lasting benefits for communities, nature and climate across the region, with Government funding now secured until 2030.

Detailed in its newly published Annual Report, the NECF has secured Trees for Climate Phase 2 funding, providing the long-term investment needed to continue creating woodlands, enhancing green spaces and bringing people closer to nature.

The funding announcement is the latest milestone in a landmark year for the partnership, marking its transition from establishing the programme to delivering measurable environmental, social and economic impact.

Since its launch in 2001, the NECF has planted more than 642,000 trees, created nearly 700 gross hectares of new woodland, engaged thousands of people, and established a clear long-term vision for the future. Together, these achievements are helping to create a greener, healthier and more resilient North East for future generations.

Lloyd Jones Forest Manager, NECF said: “As one of England’s newer Community Forests, we have already shown what can be achieved through strong partnerships. With long-term funding in place and a focus on attracting new investment, we are well positioned to expand our impact and deliver lasting benefits for communities and the environment across the North East.”

Cllr Peter Lovatt, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Local Services, Newcastle City Council said: “This report highlights the remarkable progress being made by the North East Community Forest and the collective effort of local authorities, communities, volunteers and partners across the region. With more than 125,000 trees planted this year alone and funding secured until 2030, there is a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for future generations while supporting biodiversity and enhancing the places where people live, work and visit.”

During the 2025/26 planting season, the NECF planted 125,375 trees, creating 158.21 hectares of new woodland, trees, hedgerows and open space habitat across the region.

Projects delivered:

• 6,219 metres of new hedgerow, including in-hedge trees
• More than 9 kilometres of new footpaths within woodland creation sites
• Over 27 hectares of accessible open space, including rides, glades, pathways and species-rich grassland habitats

The programme has also demonstrated the power of community action. During the year:

• 11,454 people engaged with NECF activities
• 4,274 volunteers took part in planting events
• 31,451 trees were planted by volunteers across 117 events
• Volunteers contributed more than 4,700 hours of their time

This work was made possible through £4.2 million of funding secured for woodland creation and community engagement projects.

Additional successes included supporting the Royal Society of Arts’ Playful Green Planet programme, which helped Ouseburn Farm secure £50,000 for a flagship nature-based play and learning project in Newcastle.

The Forest also played a central role in celebrating the planting of England’s Community Forests’ ten millionth tree, a Sycamore Gap sapling planted on Newcastle’s Town Moor in partnership with the National Trust and the Freemen of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

The environmental benefits will be felt for generations to come, with the trees and habitats created through the programme projected to remove approximately 49,094 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over the next 30 years.

With long-term Government funding now secured and a clear strategic plan in place, the NECF is well positioned to accelerate its impact and continue delivering lasting benefits for people, nature and climate across the region through to 2030 and beyond.