• Ash-dominated woodland occurs on neutral or calcareous soils. The best ash-dominated woodlands have a varied structure and diverse ground-flora, but many are unmanaged or include conifers or broadleaves not locally native. Coppicing, introduced for conservation purposes, occurs in a small number of woods. Ash Dieback Disease (ADD) is a threat to character, woodland continuity and biodiversity.
• Oak-birch woodland is less widely distributed and occurs on acidic soils. Elsewhere, smaller naturally regenerated or planted pockets can be found along disused railway lines or on former colliery land, as narrow strips around conifer plantations, or as corpses on heathlands, or within parkland. Many woodlands include tree species which are not locally native and may include areas of invasive rhododendron.
• Wet woodland located along the river valleys and flood plans, it occurs in small pockets along watercourses and in other damp areas and is dominated by willow, alder and birch.
• Other deciduous / broadleaf woodland is often dominated by sycamore or are plantations of poplar and beech. Recent restoration of colliery spoil heaps has seen new areas of deciduous woodland planted, although often with a non-native component.

Mixed Woodlands within the Forest boundary these contain both broadleaf and coniferous trees, combining ecological and landscape benefits of each. Native species such as oak, birch, and rowan often grow alongside conifers like Scots pine or Sitka spruce, either through planting or natural regeneration. These woodlands have high biodiversity value, supporting a wide range of wildlife and connecting habitats across the landscape, strengthening ecological networks. Their species diversity also makes them more resilient to pests, diseases, and climate change. Mixed woodlands provide multiple benefits for people, including recreation, timber, and enhanced landscapes.

Coniferous woodland are an established feature of the North East’s landscape, ranging from small shelter belts to large managed plantations. The largest of these, Kielder Forest in Northumberland, is the largest man-made forest in England covering around 250 square miles (650km2).  Predominately planted with Skitka spruce and Scots pine since the 1920s, Kielder transformed what was once open moorland, managed for grouse shooting and sheep grazing into productive and biodiverse forest. It lies within the Northumberland Forest boundary and is managed by Forestry England.

Another key example is Hamsterley Forest, in County Durham established in 1927 on former heather moorland and steep slopes. Today, it features a rich mix of coniferous and broadleaf species, supporting recreation, biodiversity, and sustainable timber production.

Across the region, mature plantations are typically dominated by Scots pine and Corsican pine, with natural regeneration of birch and oak adding a deciduous element. These mixed structures provide important habitats for wildlife, particularly along rides, edges, and open spaces. Forestry practices such as thinning, diversification, and restructuring in response to issues like red needle blight can enhance both ecological and amenity value when carefully managed.

Coniferous woodlands play a key role in the North East Community Forest’s vision—supporting habitat networks, carbon capture, and climate resilience. Through collaborative management and woodland creation, the North East Community Forest and its partners aim to increase the ecological diversity, connectivity, and community value of both existing and new conifer woodlands across the region.

Scrub may be a component of larger woodlands or occur on its own, usually transitioning into woodland when unmanaged. The structure and character of scrub varies. In drier locations on neutral or calcareous soils it is often dominated by hawthorn or blackthorn. On more acid soils, birch, gorse and broom are the main species, whilst wetter sites are normally dominated by willow species. Bramble can also be a component of scrub habitats or form dense patches on its own. Although widespread, scrub tends to be small-scale. It is an important habitat but can reduce the value of species rich grassland if unmanaged.

Parkland is characterised by grazed grassland with scattered individual trees or groups of mature and veteran trees. It often includes designed landscape features such as waterbodies, avenues, and shelter belts. Unlike urban parks, which are primarily created for recreation and public use, parkland is typically part of a managed rural or estate landscape with historic or ecological value.

Orchards are scattered across the region, often as small pockets within villages, farms, and estates. Traditional orchards are recognised as a Priority Habitat and play an important role in supporting biodiversity, enhancing landscape character, and conserving traditional varieties of fruit. Their mix of old trees, grassland, and hedgerows creates valuable habitats for pollinators, birds, and invertebrates, contributing to wider habitat networks and local distinctiveness.

These may occur as individual or groups of trees within historic parkland, hedgerows, orchards, parks or other areas and are often found outside ancient woodlands. Ancient trees are exceptionally valuable, and few trees become ancient. Veteran trees may not be very old but have high biodiversity value. All ancient and veteran trees are irreplaceable habitats and defined as Areas of Particular Importance for Biodiversity, ancient oaks for example can host up to 5000 species. The Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory (ATI) is an expanding record of identified ancient and veteran trees, which are distributed throughout the region.  The surveys rely on volunteers to help carry out the surveys, and some areas may be inaccessible, so the data will not cover very location.

Field trees are an important part of the North East’s landscape, though many were lost to Dutch Elm Disease (DED), and numerous ash trees are now at risk from Ash Dieback Disease (ADD). Despite these challenges, these trees remain crucial for maintaining habitat networks and ecological connectivity. They act as stepping stones for species movement across the countryside, support rich biodiversity, and contribute to the region’s character, heritage, and sense of place.

Street and Urban Trees bring the many benefits of trees directly to where people live and work and as such are a critical resource now and into the future. Local Authority manage street trees and trees within public green spaces.

Natural Regeneration plays a crucial role in expanding and restoring woodlands across the region. By allowing trees and vegetation to establish naturally, this approach enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and supports climate resilience while reducing the need for intensive planting.

In areas where tree cover has been lost, particularly along riverbanks, former industrial sites, and marginal farmland, natural regeneration can complement traditional planting efforts. The process relies on colonisation by native tree and scrub species from nearby woodland or seed sources, creating diverse and locally adapted habitats over time.
However, careful management is needed to prevent colonisation by non-native or invasive species, which can outcompete native plants and reduce ecological value. When supported by the right conditions and seed availability, natural regeneration offers a low-cost, low-intervention approach to woodland expansion that strengthens habitat networks and enhances ecological connectivity across the landscape.

Hedgerows with or without field trees, are a vital part of the North East’s landscape, reflecting historic field patterns and supporting biodiversity by providing wildlife corridors. Many have been removed to create larger agricultural fields, particularly in lowland areas. While the rate of removal has slowed, pressure remains for larger fields. In upland pastoral areas, neglect has contributed to hedgerow decline. Development and mineral extraction have also led to losses.