New woodland plans at South Park in Prudhoe, Northumberland

The North East Community Forest and the Woodland Trust are working together on plans for a new woodland at South Park in Prudhoe, covering 6.87 hectares (16.97 acres).

Public consultation is under way before the proposal is finalised, with partners keen to hear from the local community about the plans.

If approved, 5,188 trees would be planted during the 2026–27 winter season, creating new wildlife habitat and increasing biodiversity.

The North East Community Forest said: “The woodland will be established and managed through a partnership between the local community, the Woodland Trust, and North East Community Forest.

“We are currently consulting with local stakeholders and the wider community before the proposal is finalised.”

Trees will be planted as 30cm “whips” but are expected to grow into mature woodland over time, forming a woodland edge as they mature. There will be a few ‘standard trees’ ranging from 1.2–2metres, planted alongside the new track on the site.

There will be continued public access to the site.

People can share comments, concerns, or relevant information by contacting info@necf.org.uk by Friday, August 7.

Further details are available at northeastcommunityforest.org.uk.