New woodland blessed by Bishop Stephen Wright of Hexham and Newcastle

A Catholic youth ministry is tackling the environmental crisis by creating a woodland project to ‘improve’ people’s lives and care for the natural world.

The Youth Ministry Team at the Emmaus Youth Village in Consett in County Durham has joined forces with the North East Community Forest (NECF) to pioneer a new 8.24 hectare woodland creation project comprising 7,500 trees.

Forged in the spirit of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment Laudato Si’, it is designed to support biodiversity, education and community wellbeing. Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle Stephen Wright inaugurated the project by blessing it and planting the first tree on 21 March, assisted by 18-year-old Omeose Egbiremolen, chair of the diocesan youth council.

Wright called the project “a fine example of the Church working with society to improve the lives of others.” He said: “It is a timely example of improving the environment in which we live. This project, which will literally grow in the years to come, will be a blessing to all who visit the Emmaus Village.

“As all the planting is of indigenous trees and plants, it will help local wildlife flourish, and visitors will experience the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.”

The planting of a ceremonial orchard tree and community tree planting took place the following Sunday.

Transforming the area into a biodiverse-rich habitat, the project will include a new community orchard, native broadleaf woodland, including an open space habitat and wildflower meadows, shelter belts, in-field trees and ponds. Residents and visitors will be able to connect with nature and each other through publicly accessible walking paths and wildlife areas.

Phillip Salkeld, chief executive of the Youth Ministry Trust highlighted its commitment to “caring for our common home”, saying the project “is about creating a place where young people, families, and the wider community can encounter the beauty of God-given creation, learn to care for the natural world, and find space for reflection and connection.”

Lloyd Jones of NECF said: “Emmaus Youth Village’s new woodland is a brilliant example of how local partners and communities can work together to create landscapes that support wildlife, inspire young people, and strengthen community wellbeing.”

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