Donate

Join in

If you’re part of a school or community group in Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, or the urban areas of County Durham, then the North East Community Forest is your community forest. We work locally to help people of all ages get involved with trees, nature and greener places close to where they live.

Check if you are based within our boundary

Why partner with us?

We’re passionate about helping young people and communities connect with nature and take part in creating a greener future. We love working with schools and community groups to offer hands‑on tree planting and outdoor activities that are fun, meaningful and rewarding.

We can support your group by providing funding for trees, their long‑term care and the running of planting events. All we need from you is permission to plant, space to grow, and a group of enthusiastic volunteers ready to get involved.

Benefits for your school or community

Planting trees and hedges within your grounds offers a wealth of benefits:

  • Improved health and wellbeing
  • New habitats for wildlife
  • Action against the climate crisis
  • A lasting legacy for future generations

For schools, pupils can watch their trees grow as they progress through their education, learning first-hand the value of green spaces. For community groups, these projects create shared spaces that strengthen connections and foster pride in your local environment.

           

How NECF Can Help You

Tailored Grants

The grants offered through Trees for Climate are tailored to each school or group’s requirements (with landowner approval) and are available for a large variety of projects. Our expert team is here to provide you with free support and impartial advice to help plan, fund and plant tree planting projects. The minimum area for a project size is 0.1 hectares (1000m²)

Installation and maintenance

We have a network of contractors that will install the project on your behalf. Their cost is included as part of the grant. We also work with outdoor education charities who have helped install projects by including pupils in the installation. 

Cost

Eligible projects can be fully funded through a Trees for Climate grant, covering all costs and ongoing maintenance. It’s one of the most flexible and competitive tree planting grants in England.

Timing

The planting season runs from November to March each year.

Ready to start?

Get in touch today to explore how we can support your school or community group.

Get in touch