New Community Forest created in the North East to support a greener future Defra, England Community Forests and local councils across the North East area are today announcing the creation of a new Community Forest to bring people closer to nature in the North East. From: Up to 500 hectares of trees will be planted in the next four years The North East Community Forest sees six local authorities joining forces with environmental organisations to plant trees across the region. The initiative aims to plant up to 500 hectares of trees by 2025, with a long-term goal to increase canopy cover across the north east to 30% by 2050 – almost double the current national average.