The North East Community Forest (NECF), an environmental initiative spanning Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and urban County Durham, has secured funding from the government's Trees for Climate programme until 2030. This phase two support ensures the project can continue its work of creating woodlands and green spaces across the region. Forest manager Lloyd Jones expressed optimism, stating that "with long-term funding in place, we are well positioned to expand our impact and deliver lasting benefits for communities and the environment across the North East."