BA Better World Community Fund – Planet has provided £66,500 of match funding
Restoring Harbottle Forest
Morpeth, England, United Kingdom
Aim
With BA’s support Forestry England are planting 9,000 trees at Harbottle Forest, a red squirrel reserve in Northumberland.
In November 2021, Storm Arwen blew across the north of England and Scotland, bringing winds in excess of 100mph, causing extensive windblow to forests, leaving structural damage to buildings and 1 million homes without power.
The storm devastated Harbottle in Northumberland and Forestry England’s team have been dealing with the legacy of this profound event ever since. British Airway's support will plant 9,000 trees to start the restoration and replanting of Harbottle, to benefit nature, wildlife and local communities.
Restoring a red squirrel reserve
We have carefully chosen a mix of species that will include Scots pine, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, silver birch, rowan and whitebeam. Having a greater variety of species helps ensure a greater variety of habitats for wildlife and increased resilience against the threats of pests, disease and a changing climate. This mix of species has been chosen specifically for this site, taking into account the climatic conditions, soil quality and wildlife in the local area.
The iconic walk up to Drake Stone is particularly popular for its far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside, and its historical and cultural significance for the area. Restoring and replanting the woodlands with your support will mean we are finally able to reopen these trails following the storm damage.
Welcoming visitors back to the forest will mean we are giving more people further opportunity to benefit from time spent in nature.
This project successfully funded on 9th May 2025