Our Forest Plan : 2025 - 2050

Our Vision

A man helping two school boys plant a tree

 

"A thriving, resilient, and sustainable multipurpose forest that delivers lasting benefits for the people, nature, and environment of North East England for generations to come."

What is the Forest Plan

We are preparing a Forest Plan that sets out a bold, long-term vision for transforming the landscape of North East England. This plan will guide the work of the North East Community Forest, outlining how we will enhance, protect, and celebrate our region’s trees, woodlands, and hedgerows.

Our goals are ambitious and rooted in community and sustainability. By planting more trees and restoring existing woodlands, we will:

  • Create vibrant green spaces for people and wildlife

  • Boost biodiversity and support nature recovery

  • Promote recreation, culture, and wellbeing

  • Strengthen community resilience to climate change

  • Encourage healthier lifestyles and outdoor learning

  • Foster deeper connections with nature for everyone

This Forest Plan will be more than a strategy; it will provide a shared commitment to a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for the North East.

Key Objectives of the Forest Plan

Expand and Connect Trees, Woods, and Hedgerows

We will encourage and support the establishment of well-connected, diverse, and thriving trees, woods, and hedgerows, prioritising areas of greatest need. By doing so, we will maximise benefits for people, nature, and climate.

Protect, Restore and Sustain Woodland Ecosystems

We will support responsible and sustainable management practices to protect, restore, and improve the health, biodiversity, and resilience of trees, woods, and hedgerows—ensuring long-term benefits for nature, people, and climate.

Foster a Thriving Tree and Woodland Culture

We will inspire and support greater participation in the creation, management, and use of trees, woods, and hedgerows. By raising awareness of their value, we will cultivate a stronger connection between communities and the natural environment.

 

These objectives are designed to work together to deliver positive outcomes across the following three interconnected themes that sit at the heart of the plan.

Group of young people in front of a newly planted tree

People

Enriching lives and livelihoods through greener spaces and community involvement

Nature

Supporting ecological recovery and helping biodiversity thrive

Climate

Strengthening resilience, mitigating climate change and adapting to environmental challenges 

Moody tree

Why prepare a Forest Plan?

Lloyd and Rose

Why trees matter?

NECF landowners banner

How will the plan be used?

Hedge

What will be planted and where?

How to get involved

This survey is your chance to share what is important to you, relating to the Forest Plan. Every survey response is valuable to us, and you’ll be helping the North East Community Forest team to plan their future work.

This survey should take between 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

 

Click here to participate