Woodland creation project to see 40,000 trees planted

Crooks Farm in Barnham, County Durham is continuing an ambitious woodland creation project that will see approximately 40,000 trees planted over 30 hectares of land. 

The project, supported by the North East Community Forest (NECF) and the Woodland Trust, is a significant step towards improving wildlife connectivity and promoting regenerative agriculture practices.

One of 15 Community Forests across England, the North East Community Forest is a multi-million pound project that has seen six local authorities join forces with environmental organisations to plant tens of thousands of trees across the region. 

Planting at the farm began in 2024, with 5 hectares already established. Another 9.04 hectares are scheduled for planting in 2025, and the final phase will be completed in 2026. When finished, the new woodland will offer vital habitats for local wildlife and provide environmental benefits for generations to come.

An official launch event for the latest phase of the project took place on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, with guests including Mike Butterwick, the Deputy Lieutenant of County Durham and Councillor James Rowlandson from Durham County Council.

Eleanor Hopkins, Community Woodland Officer, North East Community Forest said: “Planting these trees will not only create a thriving environment that supports local wildlife, buffer ancient woodland, and improve soil and water quality it will hopefully inspire others to adopt regenerative agricultural practices.”

Rachel Penn, Outreach Adviser, Woodland Trust commented: ‘Rob Lowes inspired me with his vision for the farm when we first met in 2023. Located in the beautiful River Greta Valley, he wanted to create a farmed landscape of connectivity with a network of new woodlands and wetlands in which his cattle could graze. The design he envisioned respected existing wetland habitats used by ground nesting birds and will enable the woodland flora and fauna to move more widely through the landscape. We were delighted that we were able to team him up with the North East Community Forest who helped him bring his vision to fruition’.

Rob Lowes, Crooks Farm Tenant Farmer said: “This is a great opportunity to vastly improve our already conservational minded approach to Farming and Land management while improving public rights of way so that others can also enjoy what we do.”

Cllr Mark Wilkes, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We are delighted to give our continued support to Crooks Farm as part of the North East Community Forest partnership. 

“Planting trees at this level will contribute significantly to carbon absorption within County Durham, supporting our ambitions to achieving net zero by 2045. It will also provide important habitats for wildlife and protect biodiversity. By involving pupils from our schools in the tree planting, we’re also encouraging future generations to think about the important role trees have in our ecosystem and balancing our climate.”

The Forest works alongside its partners and valuable volunteers to continue its ambitious plans to plant thousands of hectares of trees to improve the natural environment and create happier and healthier places for everyone to live, work in and visit.

With years of experience and locally based support, the team helps communities, landowners and businesses to plan, fund and deliver tree and hedge planting projects of all sizes – from farms and private estates to parks and community spaces.

This project has been made possible via the North East Community Forest Trees for Climate Grant and has been part funded by Carma who are committed to making social and environmental impacts via tree planting in the UK. 

Jim Holland, CEO, Carma said: “Carma is delighted to partner with the North East Community Forest on this ambitious woodland creation project at Crooks Farm. Together, we are making a meaningful environmental impact while also providing vital support to veterans. This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainability and social good, and we look forward to working closely with NECF in the years to come to create positive change for both people and the planet.”

The Trees for Climate Grant is a bespoke woodland creation funding programme only available within the Community Forest areas in England. It is part of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)'s Nature for Climate Fund which is a national Government scheme to support woodland creation and peat restoration in England.