Farming chief criticises plan to create woodland

8:16am Saturday 17th May 2008

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A FARMING leader has criticised plans to turn some of the region's most productive arable land into woods.

Laurie Norris, from the National Farmers' Union (NFU), said taking Low Burn Hall Farm, near Durham, out of production at a time of rising food prices was unrealistic and said her members were concerned at the prospect.

Ms Norris, the NFU's North- East environmental and land use advisor, was speaking after the Woodland Trust revealed it is to ask the public for £1.5m to turn the 168-acre site, by the River Wear, into woods.

The trust bought the farm from the Sedgewick family in March, its £2.4m price making it the most expensive lot ever sold at auction in the North-East.

Ms Norris said: "As the world population increases, more agricultural land should be used for food production.

"Taking land completely out of production, particularly if it is good land, seems unrealistic.

"Marginal land that is more difficult to farm might be more appropriate."

However, Sara Lyons, development officer for the Woodland Trust, said: "We come from an environmental angle and feel it is crucial to secure and improve woodland for people.

"Because we are so close to Durham, this should be a fantastic amenity for people to explore and enjoy.

"Location is everything - this has ancient woodland, the river, the chance to enhance the area and the city nearby."

The trust has recouped £1.3m of its outlay by selling 11 acres with a farmhouse, cottages and other buildings.

Of the £1.5m it wants to raise, £1.1m will go to trust funds and £400,000 will be used to plant trees and secure rights of way on the site.

Miss Lyons said it would be the trust's biggest fundraising campaign in the region and that it would be a challenge, but said: "We are in no rush. We want to consult with as many people as we can.

"The public will be the people using the site. They know what is needed.

"Generally, local people are very supportive of what we do."

The trust wants the land to be open to visitors and to stage school visits and other events.

Public consultation on proposals will be launched this summer.