New forest networks created in £820k project

As part of the project, 76 hectares of new woodlands have been created

Woodlands, hedgerows and trees have been planted over a four-year period as part of a £820,000 project.

Hundreds of children and adults took part in community planting events during the Durham Woodland Revival scheme.

Led by Durham County Council and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project focused on the county’s most populated areas.

Councillor Mark Wilkes, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said he was proud of what the project had achieved.

“Woodland areas are an incredibly important natural resource, helping to tackle climate change, improving the quality of the air we breathe and providing valuable habitats for wildlife," he said.

"Furthermore, they provide a place for our communities to reconnect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially in more populated urban areas."

The project also encouraged residents, landowners and contractors to nurture ancient woodland in their area, the council said.

Impact

Over the four years, 76 hectares of woodlands were created, including two large woods at West Cornforth and Frankland.

Durham Council said a further 645 trees were planted outside woodland, as well as 6,600ft (2km) of hedgerows.

Ten hectares of ancient woodlands were also brought back into active management.

Helen Featherstone, a director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "This important work has brought neglected areas back into wonderful condition by working with landowners, volunteers and schools to plant trees, develop skills and connect local people with the natural heritage that is right on their doorstep."

As part of the scheme, 53 landowners were also supported with training to care for woodland and eight young offenders were trained in woodland management skills.