TWO schemes to encourage tree planting across the dale have been launched.
Durham County Council has made funding available to groups who wish to revitalise green spaces, while the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership has unveiled a package of support for landowners, farmers and smallholders.
Both were announced as part of National Tree Week, earlier this month.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership has launched a tree and woodland support service and is looking to contact those involved in land management who are interested in tree planting and woodland creation.
Officials say planting trees and creating new woodlands has many benefits, including storing carbon, mitigating flooding, enriching biodiversity, and providing shelter for livestock and habitat for wildlife.
The AONB Partnership can offer woodland surveys, bespoke advice and access to sources of finance, as well as providing support for improving the management of existing woods.
Ben Scotting, trees and woodland officer, said: “We can support people to explore options for new tree planting, looking at the best locations for planting, the ideal mix of species and identify potential future benefits to the farming business and the environment.
“We know that busy land managers and farmers are looking for the best ways to introduce more planting on their land and to better manage the woodlands they already have.
“We can provide that support, and help to increase the amount of woodland we have, right across the AONB. This will have enormous benefits for the landscape and wider environment.”
The service is available in the County Durham and Northumberland areas of the North Pennines AONB.
Work can be also carried out in a defined area of County Durham beyond the AONB boundary, centred on the A68 corridor.
Meanwhile, funding has been made available by Durham County Council for community groups, parish councils, schools, and individuals who want to help revitalise local green spaces and help combat climate change.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, restrictions have
