THE latest phase of the Tees Forest looks likely to be planted during the next ten years.

The Forestry Commission has bought 200 acres of land at South Burdon, on the outskirts of Darlington, which it plans to turn into a community wood.

In partnership with Darlington Borough Council the commission intends to plant 140,000 trees in the area during the next ten years.

It is hoped that the combination of broadleaf trees and open spaces will not only make the area perfect for recreation and conservation but will also help improve Darlington's tree cover, which is well below the national average.

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

The Tees Forest is intended to provide a link between the towns, providing natural cover for cyclists and for nature enthusiasts who wish to travel between the two areas.

The Tees Forest initiative was set up in 1991 and has since created almost 2,000 acres of woodland.

Four years ago the commission acquired 500 acres of land for the initiative at Coatham Wood, near Stockton, and trees have now been planted on this land.

Malcolm Thompson, of 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"