Major expansion of woodlands for communities across England including Northumberland

The project, announced in 2019 as part of plans to slash carbon emissions, will see trees of various types planted in locations up and down the county.

Today, the government has announced millions more trees will be planted across England following investment to expand woodlands.

England’s 13 Community Forests, as well as partners including the Northern Forest and Great Northumberland Forest, are all set to receive funding.

As part of the government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund, these projects will expand woodlands near cities, towns, villages and rivers.

Collectively around 2,300 hectares of trees – equivalent to around 3,220 football pitches – will be planted as part of this year’s £44.2 million funding allocation, playing an important role in Government ambitions to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament and reach net zero.

It is estimated the planting announced today will see 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide absorbed by 2050, valued at nearly £100 million.

More trees will help to reduce flood risk in vulnerable areas, the government said, and the funding will also create more green jobs within the forestry and environmental sectors.

Lord Zac Goldsmith, Forestry Minister, said: “Our economies, livelihoods and wellbeing all rely on nature.

“As well as tackling the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, this significant funding will create diverse treescapes across the country and improve the health and wellbeing of local communities by giving them more opportunities to enjoy nature on their doorstep.”

Sir William Worsley, Forestry Commission Chair, said: “The social, environmental and economic benefits of being in woodlands are well-documented, helping local communities to be happier, healthier and more pleasant places to live.

“It is a personal mission of mine to make sure as many people as possible get to experience these benefits. This funding will ensure we plant trees in areas close to where people live, as well as providing job opportunities in new woodland creation through planting, establishing and managing trees.”

Local authorities are also set to benefit from further support announced today for the development of the new LA Tree and Woodland Strategies toolkit, launching in September in partnership with the Tree Council, Fera, Forestry Commission and Forest Research. This will help to build local capacity to plan for new trees and woodlands.