SWL to plant 33,000 trees in former coalfield area
Scottish Woodlands Ltd is working on a large new native woodland project to plant more than 30,000 trees in a former coal mining area in County Durham.
The creation of the 35-hectare woodland was marked by a planting ceremony at the site, involving Vice Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham Michael Poole and local schoolchildren.
A silver birch was planted on the site at South Causey, close to the Beamish industrial heritage museum - the first of almost 33,000 trees to go into the ground. The trees are a wide mix of species, including alder, aspen, birch, cherry, hazel, rowan, Scots Pine, willow and Wych Elm.
Jonathan Harker, Regional Business Development Manager for Scottish Woodlands Ltd, said: “This is a great project to be involved with, bringing new green growth to a former industrial area. Scottish Woodlands Ltd was very pleased to be selected in a competitive process to do the tree planting and site management, and our Forest Manager Sam Jama is leading on this project. We very much look forward to working with all partners to make the project a great success.”
The Woodland Trust was approached by the owners of the land in April 2022 for advice on woodland creation and said it had been “a delight to help bring their vision alive”.
Dr Rachel Penn, Outreach Adviser at The Woodland Trust, said: “The 35ha of new native woodland at South Causey in the former Durham Coalfield will bring a host of environmental benefits, not only to the land itself, but also to the adjacent ancient woodlands.”
“Woodland species, many of which are UK priority species for conservation, will be able to expand their range into the new woodlands, assisting in their protection and survival.”
Ross Weddle, Chair of the North East Community Forest, said: “We are absolutely committed to bringing more greenery and woodland to our region, so I am pleased we are supporting this exciting project. Woodlands and green spaces are the beating heart of so many of our communities. We look forward to working with volunteers and partners to plant these new trees so they can be enjoyed by people for years to come.”
Phillip and Susan Moiser, the owners of South Causey Farm, said: “It’s been our ambition for a long time to convert the land which has been farmed and used for grazing for many years back to its original biodiverse and eco-friendly roots. We are really proud that so many people are getting involved and supporting the project, which will bring a wealth of benefits to our community for years to come.”