Living Woods are celebrating the launch of the tree planting season with a community event in North Tyneside for the North East Community Forest.
We are inviting volunteers to join us for the tree planting session at Wideopen on Friday (Nov 29), marking National Tree Week. Trees, tools and training are all provided, and the action starts at 10am, helping to plant 200 small native trees. There will also be the ceremonial planting of a larger tree.
“This is an opportunity to come along a make a difference to your local environment,” said Living Woods director Mark Shipperlee.
This event is being co-ordinated by Living Woods; we are a Community Interest Company based in Hexham, a local partner of NECF, in partnership with North Tyneside Council. A Community Interest Company is a type of limited company that operates for the benefit of the community rather than private shareholders.
Planting trees: though we can’t promise warm and sunny weather!
Community Forests are in and around some of the nation’s largest towns and cities, with the North East Community Forest covering 1,503 square kilometres across Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and urban County Durham. Since the project began more than 100,000 trees have been planted as both open woodland and hedgerows. “Increased tree coverage will improve our natural heritage and create happier and healthier places for us all to live in, work in and visit,” said Mark.
There are only 20 places for this first event of the planting season for NECF, so volunteers are asked to please book early through Eventbrite. Booking is free. We recommend wearing warm clothes and sturdy footwear, and bring work gloves if possible (these can be provided). Also please bring a packed lunch and any refreshments you may need.
Book here. If you have any specific enquiries please email mark@living-woods.org.uk.
If you can’t make that one, on Sunday Dec 1 there’s an opportunity to take part in the Community Tree Planting day in Gilsland, West Northumberland. Here the Living Woods team will be planting a variety of native trees including willow, alder, hawthorn, aspen and birch. The planting area is less than half a mile walk through farmland, up onto moorland, where we will be planting the trees along a series of gullies. This project is in partnership with The Natural World Fund https://naturalworldfund.com/ with the aim to improve habitat within the landscape.
Everyone is welcome to participate, although there are some access limitations, if you have questions about this do get in touch. We’ll provide all the tools and guidance, please bring your own gloves if you have them along with a packed lunch and hot drink. Wear sturdy boots and appropriate clothing. We’ll meet at 10am and aim to leave around 3pm.
Contact volunteering@living-woods.org.uk if you have any questions.