North East Community Forest works with more than 2,000 volunteers that support greener spaces and cleaner air. It is one of the top five biggest Community Forest schemes, with over 164 gross hectares altogether. The multi-million pound project is funded by the government Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs through the Nature for Climate Fund.
The North East has made great progress on the Environment Act target that aims to reach 16.5% of woodland cover in England by 2050. For all tree planting schemes in England, this year there has been a 52% increase from the previous year. More trees in the North East have proven benefits for mental health, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and air quality.
Ella Spray, the president for Extinction Rebellion Society and a Newcastle University biology student, said “it’s a decent scheme that’s engaging with landowners to partner with them. But the biggest issue with tree planting around here is if it’s planted on Peatlands.” She also urges other institutions to make bigger steps in combatting the climate crisis. Tree planting, whilst a popular strategy to tackle climate change, can also lead to carbon release, harm to local ecosystems and a risk of monocultures if wrongly managed.
The NEFC has planned to ensure that their efforts are sustainable and that trees are planted where they are needed. Working with the local councils, as well as regional and national organisations, the NEFC are continuing their work of planting trees to progress their mission of sustainability.
Interest in learning more? https://www.northeastcommunityforest.org.uk/north-east-community-forest
