Residents across the north are being asked to help create new woodlands.

The Seeds2Trees initiative is run by Living Woods CIC - the north’s leading woodland management social enterprise which has just moved its HQ to Hexham.

The scheme is inviting individuals, households, schools, and community groups to grow UK native trees from seeds.

The seeds will be provided by the organisation, and after two years of nurturing, the saplings will be collected for planting.

The project aims to involve people of all ages in growing trees for future community-focused planting schemes.

Project director Lara Young said: "It’s a wonderful way to help create woodland from seeds, but the people involved are doing so much more.

"Nurturing those seeds over two years enables them to become more connected with nature.

"It gives people something personal and tangible to do, but it also helps them focus on how they might help future generations.

"And it’s giving them agency in the battle against climate change."

Since its launch in 2022, Seeds2Trees has distributed around 315 growing sets to approximately 500 volunteers.

These sets include a mix of acorns, hazel seeds, and birch, along with trays, netting, and month-by-month support.

Living Woods CIC is keen to engage more with schools and plans to develop a new education package for the upcoming season.

Ms Young added: "This may be a school, alternative educational provision, or home educational family that wants to see how they can inspire their learners to be change-makers for the environment and enhance their educational and personal development through the project."

Volunteer grower Mike Skinner said: "I got involved with Seeds2Trees as I saw it as a real chance to make a positive difference to the challenge of climate change and to put something back.

"My granddaughter helps with any weeding and counting and is learning to recognise the different leaf types of each species.

"I’m really looking forward to the next stage where my saplings are planted out and am excited to find out where they will end up."

Those who are interested in the project can sign up via the Living Woods website at living-woods.org.uk/project/seeds2trees.