Ancient woodland in the area accounts for just 1% of the region’s land according to a recent study by the commission, equating to 11,800ha.
In comparison the south-east has 130,000ha of ancient woodland, 7% of the area’s land, and Greater London has 1.6% coverage, the Forestry Commission has claimed.
“These woodlands are a quintessential feature of the north-east landscape, small precious fragments of Britain’s natural heritage,” said Brendan Callaghan, the commission’s regional director for the north-east.
“In the north-east they are especially important as we have less than any other area of England.”
As such, the Forestry Commission has said that the north-east requires the most support to help manage its forests in a sustainable way.
This, according to Mr Callaghan, is being provided through the English Woodland Grant Scheme, which is able to offer financial support to owners of ancient woodlands to ensure the conservation and quality of the area’s ancient woodlands.
