National Tree Week began on a positive note in Sunderland, as residents, volunteers and partners gathered at Flint Mill in Houghton to plant new trees.
Led by The Tree Council and its partners, National Tree Week marks the start of the planting season, bringing together communities across the country to add thousands of trees and hedgerows to the landscape.
The event, held on today, Monday 24 November, saw the community working side by side to plant trees to replace those damaged or lost due to drought and vandalism earlier this year, ensuring they survive and thrive for the future.
The next event to mark Tree Week will take place at Copt Hill on Monday 1 December from 10am to 2pm. Volunteers will be planting hedgerow trees to replace young trees that did not survive the spring drought.
Councillor Lindsey Leonard, Cabinet Member of Environment, NET Zero and Transport at Sunderland City Council, said:
“Tree Week is a fantastic opportunity for residents to come together, protect our environment, and make a real difference to the places we love. By replanting trees and improving sites, like Flint Mill and Copt Hill, we’re not only tackling the impacts of climate change but also creating healthier, greener spaces for everyone to enjoy. I’d encourage as many people as possible to join us and be part of this positive legacy.”
This tree week builds on the success of last year’s tree planting season, which saw 23 sites improved across Sunderland, including clusters in Roker and Millfield, three schools, and Barnwell Field in Penshaw. In total, 2,000 whips, 425 trees, 102 orchard trees and 1,649 kilometres of hedgerow were planted, alongside more than 160,000 bulbs that will create vibrant spring displays. The planting was supported by £401,763 in funding from Trees for Climate via the North East Community Forest.
The tree planting sessions are part of the wider Links with Nature 2-year project, to improve habitats and access across 12 Coalfield sites. The partnership between Durham Wildlife Trust, Sunderland City Council and Wear Rivers Trust is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Sunderland City Council, North East Community Forest and Northumbrian Water Bluespaces Fund. Recent work at Flint Mill has delivered new footpaths, woodland management, bins and barriers to reduce antisocial behaviour, with woodland planting and signage still to come. At Copt Hill, improvements include upgraded footpaths, grassland management, and new fencing for cattle grazing which boost biodiversity.
Anne Gladwin from Durham Wildlife Trust said:
“The support from North East Community Forest has been fantastic, enabling more than 6,000 trees to be planted across six Links with Nature greenspaces in the Coalfield area. The additional trees create a new habitat which offers shelter for wildlife, enabling it to thrive. It has been fantastic to see so many residents and volunteers getting involved with the planting and helping to make a difference in their local community.”
Lloyd Jones, Forest Manager from the North East Community Forrest, said:
“The Flint Mill project is a great example of partnership working between Sunderland City Council, the North East Community Forest (NECF), and Durham Wildlife Trust through the Links for Nature programme. Today is all about caring for the trees we’ve planted.
“Thanks to the government funded Trees for Climate grant from the NECF, that helped fund this site, we’re not just planting trees – we’re ensuring they receive ongoing care for years to come. That long-term support means these trees will grow strong and deliver benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment for generations.”
The Copt Hill event is free to attend, and volunteers of all ages are welcome. Tools and guidance will be provided on the day. Anyone wanting to take part can register at with Durham Wildlife Trust at: https://volunteer.durhamwt.com/volunteers/provider-profile/Links-with-nature/257389Â
For more information about the Links with Nature project visit Links with Nature | Durham
