Newcastle Airport has planted 16,353 new trees as part of its ongoing commitment to boost biodiversity and help create a greener, healthier future for the North East.
The new woodland, located to the east of Corbridge in Northumberland, spans 10 hectares – equivalent in size to around 14 football pitches.
A variety of broadleaved trees have been planted at the site to encourage local wildlife, improve air quality and strengthen the region’s natural environment.
Over its lifetime, the woodland is expected to remove more than 4,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – enough to power more than 8,000 homes for a year.
The site has been leased by the Airport from landowners Allendale Estates and the planting was delivered in partnership with property consultancy firm Galbraith.
This project adds to more than 45,000 trees which have been planted by the Airport in recent years, further supporting the business’ carbon offset activities and its wider commitment to enhancing biodiversity.
It also supports the Airport’s commitment to increasing tree planting across the region, ensuring local communities benefit from these woodlands for generations to come.
Alice Andreasen, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Newcastle Airport, said: “Trees play a crucial role in improving air quality, supporting biodiversity and enhancing people’s lives, so it’s fantastic to see this new woodland starting to take shape.
“By investing in projects like this, we’re not only reducing our own carbon impact but also delivering long-term environmental benefits for our communities.
“Tree planting is a key part of our strategy to reach Net Zero by 2035 and initiatives like this complement the great work taking place across the business which is delivering meaningful change, while supporting the region’s wider sustainability ambitions.”
Colin Davidson, Allendale Estates, said: “We are pleased to have worked with Newcastle Airport to help deliver this project and support its long-term sustainability goals.
“At Allendale Estates, we are committed to managing our land in a way that balances commercial activity with conservation, enhancing biodiversity and local amenity through a collaborative and sustainable approach.”
For more information about the Airport’s Net Zero journey, visit www.newcastleairport.com/corporate/community-and-sustainability.