Over 500 hectares planted: North East Community Forest celebrates major milestone

This achievement was celebrated at the Northumberland Show where we welcomed The Rt Hon. Mary Creagh MP, Minister for Nature, demonstrating the importance of the on-going work across all of England’s Community Forests. 

Ross Weddle, Chair, North East Community Forest said: “We were thrilled to welcome The Rt Hon. Mary Creagh MP to this year’s Northumberland Show, where we celebrated a major achievement of exceeding 500 hectares of new planting. This milestone reflects our commitment to enhancing the natural environment of North East England. These green spaces are vital for biodiversity, community wellbeing, and climate resilience.”

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said:

 "With this Government, tree planting rates are now at the highest level in over 20 years. 

 “We rapidly established a new Tree Planting Taskforce, announced the first of three new national forests and these figures show we are making good progress.

 "There is much more to do – that is why we are investing over £800 million to plant trees across the country as part of our Plan for Change." 

The NECF has achieved this target over the past four years by working closely with partners across County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and Northumberland. The Forest’s efforts have transformed landscapes, improved air and water quality, and created habitats for wildlife, while also offering recreational and wellbeing benefits for local communities.

The North East has a mix of commercial and amenity forestry, providing building materials and recreational facilities. These woodlands clean the air and water, provide shade in the summer and shelter in the winter, for humans and wildlife.

Newcastle City Council is the accountable body for the Forest and Cllr Alex Hay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services Newcastle City Council said: 

“The ongoing collaborative efforts of the North East Community Forest are truly inspiring. In recent years, the Forest has made remarkable strides in transforming and enriching the local environment for the benefit of both people and wildlife. Every tree planted is a powerful step toward a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for communities across our region.”