I am delighted that the Government have announced further investment into the Great Northumberland Forest.
The project, announced in 2019 as part of plans to slash carbon emissions, will see trees of various types planted in locations up and down the county.
The government has announced millions more trees will be planted across England following investment to expand woodlands.
England’s 13 Community Forests, as well as partners including the Northern Forest and Great Northumberland Forest, are all set to receive funding.
As part of the government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund, these projects will expand woodlands near cities, towns, villages and rivers.
Collectively around 2,300 hectares of trees – equivalent to around 3,220 football pitches – will be planted as part of this year’s £44.2 million funding allocation, playing an important role in Government ambitions to treble tree planting rates by the end of this Parliament and reach net zero.
It is estimated the planting announced will see 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide absorbed by 2050, valued at nearly £100 million.
More trees will help to reduce flood risk in vulnerable areas and the funding will also create more green jobs within the forestry and environmental sectors.
I am proud that Northumberland is leading the way. The Great Northumberland Forest will tackle climate change, create more jobs and support our local timber industry.
