It is projected that the forest will produce more than 110,000 tonnes of sustainably grown timber by 2046 and it is expected to capture more that 67,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide in its first 100 years.
True North said that tree planting at Greencroft Forest Park will reduce flood risk in the Lanchester area by lowering river levels by up to 10%.
Thirty-seven acres of wet woodland will be planted around the flood-prone areas of Newhouse and Smallhope Burns.
The project is jointly funded by the Forestry Commission and North East Community Forest Trees for Climate grant, a woodland creation programme managed by the North East Community Forest and funded by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Forest manager for North East Community Forest, Lloyd Jones, said the project would “help to build sustainable resources for future generations”.
Plans for the project also include improvements to public footpaths around the site, including accessible paths suitable for wheelchair and pushchair users.
It is hoped tree-planting will be completed by 30 April 2027.
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