New woodland planned to boost biodiversity
Forestry EnglandA new woodland spanning 100 acres (40ha) is set to be created in an effort to provide more habitats for wildlife.
Forestry England is planning to plant the trees in Barlow, near Blaydon in Gateshead, and has asked residents for feedback on the scheme.
The organisation said it would increase biodiversity, create greenspaces for walkers, capture carbon, and be a source of timber.
Richard Gilchrist, area manager for Durham and Gateshead, said the group had used "the latest climate science" along with extensive site surveys to design Barlow Wood.
"In time, this new woodland will be a valuable green space for local people and wildlife," he said.
The land earmarked for the wood is currently used as farmland and has a power lines running overhead.
It has yet to be decided what type of woodland could be created but the four options are:
- Low density with wild cherry and sycamore
- Douglas fir with Pacific silver fir, beech and sycamore
- Scots pine with Macedonian pin and beech
- Oak, hornbeam and silver birch
Forestry England said the land would include circular grass routes for public access and maintenance, which would link to existing rights of way to Barlow.
A consultation on the scheme will run until 29 March.
There will also be a drop-in event at the Winlaton Centre on 23 March between 16:00 GMT and 19:00 GMT.