MORE than 90,000 trees have been planted across County Durham recently as part of a special project by the Woodland Trust.

Members of public have been helping with the Jubilee Woods project across five locations and the final planting took place at Low Hill House Farm, between Spennymoor and Ferryhill.

In total 10 new woods, resulting in 350 acres of woodland, are being planted on land owned by Durham County Council, including a number of reclaimed land sites, all of which will be transformed into habitats for birds and mammals.

Georgina McLeod, director of Jubilee Woods at the Woodland Trust, said: "The number of trees we are planting across Durham means it's the largest area of woodland we're creating as part of the project anywhere in the country.

"We've had great support from the public this autumn and every tree planted will make a real contribution for wildlife, the climate and people's health."

The £1.2 million project has already received significant financial contributions from the County Durham Environmental Trust (CDENT) and the Forestry Commission.

Yorkshire based Clugston Construction also chose to mark its 75th birthday in 2012 by supporting a number of charities, including the Woodland Trust. As a result the Woodland Trust only needs to raise another £60,000 locally to meet the total project cost.

The Royal Record, a book about the project, will be presented to the Queen at the end.

Anyone wishing to apply for a free tree pack should visit jubileewoods.org.uk