New woodland project – Creating a space for nature, learning, and community

A new 8.24 hectare woodland creation project comprising 7,500 trees is getting underway at Emmaus Youth Village in Consett. The project is designed to support biodiversity, education, and community wellbeing and is the flagship project for further local environmental conservation. On Sunday March 22nd 2026 the project was launched with an opening ceremony comprising the planting of a ceremonial orchard tree, followed by  community tree planting.

The area will include a new community orchard, native broadleaf woodland including open space habitat and wildflower meadows, shelter belts, in-field trees and ponds; transforming the area into a biodiverse-rich habitat. The project will also include publicly accessible walking paths and wildlife areas offering residents and visitors a place to connect with nature and each other.

This woodland represents a long-term investment in both the environment and the community, which is being funded by the Government’s Trees for Climate grant, administered by the North East Community Forest, where it will become a place where people can enjoy nature today while helping protect it for future generations.

Lloyd Jones of NECF said “Emmaus Youth Village’s new woodland is a brilliant example of how local partners and communities can work together to create landscapes that support wildlife, inspire young people, and strengthen community wellbeing. This project shows the real impact of our Trees for Climate programme in the North East — creating biodiverse places that will benefit people and nature for generations.”

Phillip J.  Salkeld, CEO of the Youth Ministry Trust said: “This woodland project is about much more than planting trees. It is about creating a place where young people, families, and the wider community can encounter the beauty of God-given creation, learn to care for the natural world, and find space for reflection and connection. At Emmaus Youth Village we are committed to caring for our common home, and this project will allow future generations to enjoy and protect this environment for many years to come.”

Southern Green Landscape Architects undertook the initial landscape concept plan for the site. Simon Green, Director, Southern Green said: “The Emmaus Woodland Creation project is an environmental project that will further enhance the attractive Derwent valley as well as improving its wildlife value through the planting of trees, the creation of glades, meadows and wetlands.  The project will also, most importantly, give young people from across the region the opportunity to get in touch with nature, have fun whilst encouraging respect for the environment.  Southern Green, Chartered Landscape Architects, is proud to have been involved with the development of this innovative project with the Youth Ministry Team and is delighted that the first phase of planting works is starting shortly.  Simon Green, Director of Southern Green”

Peter Holder who is the owner of Microsite the contractor for planting the area said: “’The new Community Woodland, Orchard and Wildflower Meadows are designed to maximise the ecological, social and economic value of this important community land asset at Emmaus Youth Village. Ecologically through carefully selected species that together create a symbiotic relationship for a self-sustaining system, socially the site will provide a platform for introducing local people to the many benefits of connecting with natural environments and their local community. Economically- through an uplift in land value, improved customer experience and the creation of future carbon credits. Microsite is proud to be a part of this fantastic project!”

Bishop Stephen Wright said: “It is a joy and a privilege to be part of the tree and meadow planting project at our Emmaus Youth Village. I wish to thank all the partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. From our diocesan family: the Youth Ministry Team, our diocesan property team and our diocesan Laudato Si Team. Together with our external partners and funders: The Northeast Community Forest, Microsite and Southern Green. This is a fine example of the church working with society to improve the lives of others.

“This project, which will literally grow in the years to come, will be a blessing to all who visit the Emmaus Village. It is a timely example of improving the environment in which we live. As all the planting is of indigenous trees and plants it will help local wildlife flourish, and visitors will experience the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.

“As we discern our call for mission as a Diocese this is a fine example of our commitment to protect our common home. May the Lord continue to bless this project.”

Residents, families, and local organisations are encouraged to come along to further organised events or just pop in and see what is happening. If you would like more information about this exciting project, then please get in touch with the North East Community Forest.