North East leaders unveil rural revival plan

North East leaders have unveiled a bold strategy to protect the region’s natural landscapes and boost opportunities for rural and coastal communities, with ambitions to unlock jobs and drive growth across the area’s vast countryside and coastline.

Spanning over 3,000 square miles, the region boasts iconic landscapes such as Northumberland National Park, two National Landscape areas in Northumberland Coast and the North Pennines, as well as over 500km of coastline. With a thriving visitor economy and roles in farming, food and forestry, these areas are integral to the North East’s identity and economic potential.

Following the approval of a £17 million investment for initial projects, the North East’s Rural, Coastal, and Environment Advisory Board has launched an investment plan targeting six priorities. 

These include enhancing food and timber supply chains, driving renewable energy, tackling flooding, and supporting nature recovery with tree planting and habitat restoration.

The plan also aims to improve health and wellbeing by increasing access to nature, support rural businesses with growth opportunities, and regenerate villages and towns to ensure no community is left behind.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness, alongside regional leaders, hope to attract further investment and unite efforts to secure a sustainable future for the region’s rural and coastal areas.

Mayor McGuinness said: “When I took office I promised to govern for the all the North East, and no place would be left behind or overlooked. 

“Now we are making good on that promise, and taking steps to grow our rural and coastal economy, and preserve the landscapes and beauty spots that make our North East the place on earth to live, work and visit.” 

Councillor Glen Sanderson, portfolio holder for environment, coastal and rural at the North East Combined Authority and leader of Northumberland County Council, added: “As a largely rural county, we welcome this fresh approach to investing in our unique natural environmental, economic and cultural assets.

“Many of the ambitions in this plan will benefit the entire region, including accelerating the transition to net-zero through investment in natural assets, supporting local nature recovery, building resilience to climate change impacts, and improving people’s health and wellbeing. 

“By working together we can ensure we will deliver on our six priority areas.”

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