Increasing the tree canopy cover in Sunderland

The whole of the Sunderland area now forms part of the North East Community Forest (NECF), which was formally launched in 2021.  The NECF covers 1,503 square kilometres of North East England, including the entire geographical boundaries of Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, and Sunderland, plus, the main urban areas of County Durham. 

This 30 year, multi-million pound project will see tens of thousands of trees planted across our area.  Our committed aim is to increase tree canopy cover across Sunderland from a current base of around 18% to reach 30% by 2050.  The North East Community Forest is supported by a partnership of local authorities, combined authorities, charities and organisations. 

By working together, thousands of hectares of trees will be planted that will both improve our natural environment and create happier and healthier places for us all to live, work in and visit. 

For more information about the NECF, visit  North East Community Forest | Northeast Community Forest 

What we are doing in Sunderland

Within the first 3 years of the NECF project (2021-24), Sunderland Council has secured £869,000 of external funding and planted trees and hedges on 24 separate sites.  With this funding we have planted: 

  • 24,587 small trees (or 'whips') 
  • 848 large trees (or 'street' or 'public realm' trees) 
  • 340 orchard trees on 11 different sites 
  • 14523 hedge plants (creating 2,643m of new hedgerow) 
  • 11.08 hectares of new wildflower meadow 
  • 30,600 bulbs. 

Outside of this funding, the Council has also planted 27,400 tree and hedge plants as part of other developments including greenspace upgrades, school grounds and roadside verges.   

The Council has also been carrying out tree replacement works across the city, particularly along urban streets.  Linked to this, a rolling programme of tree plantation management works is also taking place. 

 

 

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