Major progress has been made in protecting some of North East England’s most threatened wildlife and habitats and the future is bright for wood production.

But more needs to be done to green the region’s urban spaces.

These are just some of the conclusions of a report published today charting progress in implementing the North East’s Regional Forest Strategy, which was launched in 2005.

The document says that 60 key projects have been completed over the past two years, and a further 100 are either planned or on-going.

Significant advances has been made in conserving red squirrels where an alliance of organisations, backed by grants from Defra and £626,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, are bidding to stem the tide of grey squirrels.

Key habitats are also recovering.

More than 375 acres of the Border Mires in Northumberland, England’s biggest upland bog, have been restored by removing conifers and blocking drainage channels.

And there are also the green shoots of recovery for vulnerable ancient woodlands, which date back at least 400 years. Improving their condition remains a top priority after a survey revealed that more than half of those in Northumberland were in a poor condition. However, more restoration schemes are planned and further condition surveys are now needed elsewhere in the region.

However, progress has been slower in other crucial areas.

More needs to be done to expand urban fringe woodlands, which offer major benefits to local communities, and create more green spaces in housing and commercial developments. Despite this, 80 hectares (200 acres) of new woodland was planted around towns and cities using Forestry Commission grants.

Richard Pow of the Forestry Commission said:

“Overall the picture is pretty encouraging, and an impressive range of projects is under way to ensure we maximise the benefits from our trees and woodlands. This report shows just how much has already been achieved, but it lays down markers where we need to do better.”

The document also signals an expansion in the woodfuel sector in North East England. Britain’s biggest bio-mass power station opened at Wilton on Teesside in 2007, and Northwoods, which delivers training and business support, is looking to strengthen biomass supply chains. Egger UK at Hexham has made a £100 million investment - one of the biggest ever investments in manufacturing in the North East - which has maintained the global competitiveness of this chip-board factory. There has also been significant investment in other wood processing facilities, including the sawmills of A&J Scott, near Wooler, and Taylormade, near Durham. These developments strengthen the market for locally grown timber, boosting local businesses and creating optimism in the sector. All this helps to drive the sustainable management of our woodlands and forests.

Nick Brown, Minister for the North East of England said:

"The Regional Forest Strategy published in 2005 was an important piece of work for our region. It was the first of its kind in the North East, and clearly sets out the significant that role trees, woodlands and forests can play in enhancing the quality of life for everyone living in the region.

"This most recent document plays a crucial role in building on this innovative strategy, reflecting on positive improvements and highlighting where further work is still needed. Learning from the lessons identified here and driving this work forward, ensuring the further development of our region's woodlands, will be to the benefit of everyone living in the North East."

A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.forestry.gov.uk/NorthEastEngland

NOTE TO EDITOR

• The Regional Forest Strategy process was initiated in 2002 by the North East Forestry Action Group, comprising public and private sector representatives in the wider forestry sector. A steering group was created to oversee production of the strategy, and ensure its ongoing implementation and review. Partners on the group include One North East, North East Community Forests, North East Assembly, Government Office for the North East, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Association of North East Councils and the North East Forestry Forum.

Media calls: Richard Darn, tel 01226 246351 / 0775 367 0038.