PROPOSALS to plant 123,000 trees to create new wildlife habitats near Otterburn Hall have been unveiled.

Local farmer John Wilson wants to create a 63-hectare woodland on a marshland site near Girsonfield.

At a public meeting last week called by the Forestry Commission which will assess the scheme, woodland officers Ian Everard and Sarah Radcliffe explained that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would have to be carried out.

This would involve looking at such factors as the size of the proposed site, the culmination of other projects, production of waste and risk of accidents.

The assessment will also take into account the fact that part of the site is within the Northumberland National Park.

Miss Radcliffe said: “There are no projects on the site and there will be no waste from tree planting. However, the fact it is in the national park means it is a sensitive area, so we need to look at the existing land use and the surrounding natural environment.”

The commission will also take into account other factors, including existing flora and fauna and the cultural heritage of the local landscape, before reaching a decision.

The proposal must also comply with UK Forestry Standards.

The commission had until yesterday to gather its information, and if no significant issues are found in the proposal, Mr Wilson will be free to start work.

The planned woodland will be a mix of native and non-native trees, with some areas being oak dominated and others with low density shrubs.

Dense shrubs are planned for the area at Fawdon Hill, as advised by Historic England.

The aim is to create “visual diversity” and a more natural-looking effect.

Miss Radcliffe said: “We are encouraging all kinds of species, not just native ones, due to climate change. By doing this, we are trying to increase biodiversity.”

“Linking the woodlands is important from a habitat point of view as wildlife can go from one place to the next.”

Mr Wilson has been a farmer at Whitelee, near Byrness, for 19 years.

Since gradually increasing the number of trees there, he has seen huge benefits.

“When we first moved to Whitelee there were hardly any trees. Since planting more, biodiversity has increased straight away – the number of species of bird has increased from 22 to 66,” he said.

The main aim of the proposal is to increase the area’s biodiversity and improve the look of the landscape.

It is also hoped that the woodland will slow surface run-off, leading to fewer flooding incidents.

If the scheme gets the go- ahead, Mr Wilson aims to begin planting in November.

He added: “I want the area to be open to research and for schools and universities to use it.

“I want to involve the community and would love it if local people would help plant the trees.

“I am hoping the woodland will enhance the environment and increase house prices and quality of life. It will create a micro-climate and cut down winds to shelter local houses.”

Otterburn-based ecologist John Hartshorne said: “From an ecology point of view, there would be great benefits.

“There’s no doubt at all that the lack of woodland in the UK, particularly in Otterburn, is a big issue. It’s very pleasing to see people starting to look at planting more woodland.

“There would be positive effects in so many ways, not just in terms of aesthetics, but also for more species and wildlife habitats.

“I would be surprised if anyone could find grounds for criticism. It is making good use of land and is a great opportunity to get more diversity into the countryside.”

John works for Albion Outdoors, a group of biology teachers who organise fieldwork trips for schools.

He added: “It is great that the woodland will be accessible to schools. The next generation will be able to have a useful facility next to the national park.”