North East Community Forest Scores Climate Cash Through 2030!

The North East Community Forest, known as NECF, has just received confirmation that it will continue to get government funding until at least 2030. This is great news for the region, as the project has already made a big difference by planting hundreds of thousands of trees and creating new woodlands. Lloyd Jones, the forest manager, said that this long-term support gives the team the confidence and stability they need to keep making a positive impact on both the environment and local communities. NECF works across several areas, including Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and County Durham, focusing on urban spaces that need more greenery.

Since it began in 2021, the North East Community Forest has planted over 642,000 trees and created nearly 700 hectares of new woodland. That is a huge achievement, as each hectare is about the size of a football field. In the 2025-26 planting season alone, NECF added 125,375 trees and created 158 hectares of new woodland, hedgerows, and open habitats. These efforts are part of the Trees for Climate programme, a government initiative that supports community forests across the country. The extended funding means NECF can plan for the future, expand its projects, and continue to deliver lasting benefits for people and wildlife in the North East.

NECF has also supported other local projects, such as Ouseburn Farm in Byker, which offers nature-based play and learning for children, and the planting of a Sycamore Gap sapling on Newcastle's Town Moor. The Trees for Climate project has helped new plants and trees grow all over the region, from North Shields down to Newton Aycliffe. The North East Community Forest is committed to making the area greener and healthier for everyone. They encourage people to get involved and share their own stories about nature and community projects. With continued support, NECF hopes to keep improving the environment and providing green spaces for future generations.