Garesfield Wood, Barlow

Supported by Living Woods CIC, a total of 9 planting events took place across March 2026. These comprised 2 community events, 2 school sessions (engaging 3 schools), and 5 corporate events for officers from across the council.

Volunteer groups involved;

• Chopwell Primary School, Winlaton West Primary School, Blaydon West Primary School.
• Gateshead Council employees from Transport, Spatial Planning, Energy and Design, and Digital Innovation.
• Local community members.

• Nature & biodiversity

The site is located in an area identified within the South of Tyne and Wear Local Nature Recovery Strategy as a priority for woodland creation. It includes part of the ancient semi natural woodland (ASNW) site Huntley Gill (LWS), which will be buffered and protected by the new planting, which will offer the localised ancient woodland species the opportunity to expand their range over time. In addition, new ponds and other wetland habitats were created. The parkland, rides, hedgerows and associated scrub areas, will be managed to increase their biodiversity value.

• Climate / Net Zero contribution

The developing woodland has been registered with the Woodland Carbon Code and is anticipated to sequester up to 358 tonnes of carbon per hectare over 100 years.

• Community & wellbeing, Access, learning or skills

Volunteers have played a key role in the planting. In addition to this, the new network of footpaths which will connect with the existing Public Right of Way in Huntley Gill will provide enhanced opportunity for quiet recreation and exercise.

• Flood mitigation

The site lies on the watershed between the Barlow and Derwent valleys, wetlands have been created to slow the flow of water across the site, assisting in flood alleviation as well as providing important habitat.

• The proximity to the ancient woodland at Huntley Gill local wildlife site as well as some existing parkland trees which could be adversely affected by shading. A ~10m buffer allowed between new planting and existing trees/woodland.
• Species choice in the new planting, which is based on the classic oak-birch mix predominant in Gateshead and suitable for location adjacent to ancient semi-natural woodland.
• Overhead and underground utilities had to be considered in the design and given an appropriate buffer.
• Efforts were made to retain the character of existing hedgerow and scrub areas so as not to lose this habitat on site.

• Local Authority
• Contractors – Scottish Woodlands, Living Woods CIC.
• Community groups
• Private Landowners

• Funded by Trees for Climate
• Additional funders; Gateshead Council, Northern Powergrid, Trees for Cities, Tree Council Network Rail Fund

The project received media coverage following its launch in October 2025, including in The Northern Echo and Forestry Journal.