A NEW forest is to be planted on the outskirts of Darlington.

The Forestry Commission has bought 200 acres of land at South Burdon to turn into a community wood.

In partnership with Darlington Borough Council, the commission intends to plant 140,000 trees in the area, near the Brick Train sculpture, over the next ten years.

It is hoped the combination of broadleaved trees and open spaces will not only make the area good for recreation and conservation, but will improve the borough's tree cover, which is well below the national average.

Andrew Smith, of the Forestry Commission, said: "Urban fringe woodlands form a key part of the Government's strategy for forestry, and we are confident that South Burdon Community Wood will become a cherished part of the landscape."

Although 30 per cent of the area will remain as open space and footpaths, the wood will form part of the Tees Forest, which will eventually create a green belt running between Darlington and Stockton.

The forest is intended to provide a link between the towns that will provide natural cover for cyclists and nature enthusiasts who wish to explore the area.

The Tees Forest initiative was set up in 1991. Since then, it has created nearly 2,000 acres of woodland.

Four years ago, the Forestry Commission acquired 500 acres of land for the initiative at Cotham Wood, near Stockton, which has now been planted with trees.

Malcolm Thompson, from Tees Forest, said: "South Burdon is a new woodland that will be available for the people of Darlington and the surrounding area to use for recreation for many years into the future".

Local people are being given the opportunity to comment on the proposals, and any public feedback will be taken into consideration when drawing up the final plans.

An exhibition and information stand about the plans will be located at the entrance to the Morrisons supermarket at Morton Park, Darlington, on January 30 and 31.

The first planting is scheduled to take place in April and the site will be gradually opened to the public over the next three years.