New community woodland for Northumberland village

PLANS for a new community woodland in Northumberland are underway in Hadston and Red Row.

During two community planting events, more than 300 trees have been put in the ground with another 10,000 more being planted over the coming weeks by a local tree planting company.  

The Old School Field site in Hadston has seen a total of 80 volunteers from Hadston House Youth Club and members of the public plant tree species including rowan, downy birch, silver birch, and hornbeam.  

The design has considered the needs of the community and has included three drop-in sessions at Hadston House. Part of the design has incorporated shelterbelts for the grazing horses on the site in Hadston.

There is also a public walking line planned in the woodland at Red Row for people to enjoy for years to come.

Coun John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Environment, Rural and Farming at Northumberland County Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the right trees being planted in the right places in our county.  

“We all know the massive benefits trees bring whether that’s helping to combat climate change, providing vital habitats for our wildlife or improving the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.

“The team and I would like to thank the scores of volunteers who came together to give their time and give back to our environment.”

£62,000 of grant funding came from the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) to carry out the plans, provided through the Forestry Commission, along with 435m hedgerows and 18 Trees outside of Woodland, funded through the Council’s Great Northumberland Forest team.  

Both grants are from the Nature for Climate Fund, from the Department for the Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).  

The fencing is already in place and following the community planting days, the rest of the 10,000 trees will be planted in the near future.

Local Cllr for Druridge Bay, Cllr Scott Dickinson, said: “I’m thrilled to see more trees being planted in our area, which helps to protect our green spaces. It’s a real benefit, not only to the environment but also to our local community, giving them an opportunity to get out in nature and give something back.

“Everyone learnt a lot from the team and met new people it was great.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all of those who volunteered their time and look forward to seeing the trees grow and for everyone to remember the special times we had planting them. I know the youth club children are particularly keen to watch their trees grow.”