200 trees planted in celebration of National Tree Week

The project will involve planting 200 whip-sized trees and 12 standard trees on parkland on Rayleigh Drive in Wideopen. The effort will be powered by 20 local volunteers, who will come together to enhance the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

National Tree Week, led by The Tree Council in partnership with organisations nationwide, celebrates the start of the winter tree-planting season. Planting at this time allows trees to settle while dormant, giving them the best chance to thrive and mature into vital green spaces that benefit nature, wildlife, and the community.

The event has been made possible through the support of Living Woods an NECF partner that coordinated the volunteer day, and North Tyneside Council, both of which are committed to increasing the region’s tree canopy cover.

Lloyd Jones, Forest Manager, North East Community Forest said:
“We’re thrilled to celebrate National Tree Week by working with our partners and the local community on this fantastic project. Trees are the lungs of our planet and increasing tree canopy cover is a key priority for the North East Community Forest. This new space will offer local residents and wildlife a fresh area to explore and enjoy. Thank you to everyone involved for making today such a success.”

Cllr Hay, Deputy leader of the council and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Newcastle City Council said: " Celebrating Tree Week alongside the continued collaborative efforts of the North East Community Forest is truly inspiring. Over the past few years, the Forest has made significant progress in improving the local environment for both residents and wildlife. With each tree planted, we take another step toward a greener, healthier future for communities across the region.”

Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for the Environment, North Tyneside Council: “Trees are essential to the health and sustainability of our natural environment, so it’s wonderful to see National Tree Week being marked here in North Tyneside. The project in Wideopen will not only boost biodiversity but also create a welcoming space for the whole community to enjoy. My thanks go to the volunteers and partners whose efforts are helping to enrich our green spaces in this way.”

Mark Shipperlee, Operations Director, Living Woods said: “We are really pleased to be celebrating the launch of the tree planting season by working with NECF (and NTC) to get more trees added to the peri-urban landscape by local individuals and communities – through this community planting event at Wideopen – a wonderful kickstart to the exciting tree planting season ahead. It is a great opportunity for local people to know that they are making a difference, and helping to care for their local environment

This new woodland will enrich the parkland, create opportunities for wildlife, and provide a lasting resource for the community, reflecting the ongoing efforts to grow greener, more sustainable spaces across the North East.”