THREE million trees will be planted in Kielder Forest.

Skilled forest workers are expected to hand-plant the trees before April.

It comes as part of Forestry England's latest planting programme to replenish tree stocks, bolster broadleaf cover and support biodiversity.

Nearly 50 species will take root, including 450,000 broadleaf varieties oak, birch and rowan, along with conifers like Sitka spruce. 

Around 1,200 hectares of land are scheduled for planting – equivalent to 1,700 football fields.

Richard Cooper, of Forestry England, explained: “Restocking is a huge effort packed into a small amount of time. But it gives us chance to shape the forest for the next 50 years. 

"When restocking sites, we leave at least a quarter of the land either as open habitat, plant with alternative conifers other than Sitka spruce, or with native species.

"Kielder Forest alone produces about 25 per cent of all the timber grown in England so it's a key asset, but it’s also become a huge haven for wildlife. 

"In places, species selection is very much influenced by the presence of wildlife like red squirrels."

Kevin May, forest management director, added: “This annual cycle of harvesting and planting ensures we contribute to the UK’s massive demand for timber and wood products. But it also supports the ongoing evolution of the nation’s forests to ensure their relevance to climate change, biodiversity decline and health and wellbeing.”

 Sites affected by Storm Arwen in November 2021 are not included in the restocking programme.