What will be planted and where?

We will advocate the protection, management and expansion of woodlands, trees and hedgerows across the boundary of the North East Community Forest. 

Targets

Short Term

Over the next 5 years we will:

Create a 1,000 hectares of new woodland and Trees Outside Woodland by 2030 

This includes not just traditional woodland, but also individual trees and small groups of trees

Restore and manage 1,000 hectares of existing woodland by 2030

We will bring neglected or declining woodland into sustainable management to boost biodiversity, improve climate resilience, and ensure long-term environment value.

Medium Term

We aim to significantly increase tree cover across the North East Community Forest.

We will increase tree canopy cover from 13% to 18.6% by 2050

This target will be achieved through a combination of: 

  • Creating new woodland
  • Planting more trees in urban and rural areas
  • Supporting natural regeneration
  • Enhancing and protecting existing trees

Long Term

As part of our long-term commitment, we aim to increase tree canopy cover to 30% across the region.

Achieving this will involve sustained efforts in:

  • Woodland creation
  • Urban and street tree planting
  • Supporting Trees Outside of Woodland
  • Protecting and managing existing trees

What will be planted? 

We will plant and support a diverse mix of trees, woodlands, hedgerows and natural habitats. Planting schemes will be carefully tailored to suit its location, enhance the local landscape and meet the needs of the surrounding community.

Below are examples of the types of planting you can expect to see.

Street Trees

Street Trees

Bringing greenery to urban roads and neighbourhoods

Photo by Patrick Reichboth on Unsplash

Nature recovery

Natural Regeneration

Letting nature take the lead in forest recovery

Photo by Justin Dream on Unsplash

Cow trees

Agroforestry

Combining trees with crops or livestock for productive, sustainable land use

Photo by Asim Rehman on Unsplash

Community planting

Urban and Community Woodlands

Green spaces for people to enjoy close to home, including community orchards.

Rolling hills

Expanding Existing Woodlands

Strengthening and connecting habitats

Photo by Stephen Arnold on Unsplash

Woodlands

Broadleaf and Conifer Woodlands

Mixed forests for wildlife and carbon storage

Photo by Richard Hepworth on Unsplash

Riparian trees

Riparian Woodlands

Planting along rivers and streams to improve water quality

Photo by Giuli Canderle on Unsplash

Hedge by houses

Hedgerows with Trees

Boosting biodiversity and supporting farmland ecosystems

National Hedgerow Week


 

Wood piles

Sustainable Timber Plantations

Supporting local, eco-friendly wood production

Photo by Franz Michael Schneeberger on Unsplash

Wild flower meadow

Other Natural Habitats

Enhancing meadows, wetlands, and wildflower areas

Photo by Bill Eccles on Unsplash

 

Where will we plant?

We will work in partnership to create together to create greener, healthier places for everyone — from towns an villages, to the countryside and coast. Tree planting and woodland creation will take place across a wide range of locations.

Below are examples of the types of places where planting will happen.

🌿 Local Authority Land

Parks, green spaces, and other land owned or managed by councils, making everyday spaces greener and more inviting.

🌱 Community Spaces

Land cared for by schools, residents, and local groups, including school grounds, community gardens and shared green areas.

🌳 Public and Private Land

From farms and estates to land offered by private owners, working together to support planting at every scale.

🏢 National and Sector Partners

Sites managed or owned by national charities, trusts, and forestry organisations, supporting regional and national nature recovery efforts.

🚉 Infrastructure Corridors

Tree planting around railways, roads, utility sites, and other infrastructure, helping to connect habitats and soften the landscape.