Woodland is vital to the north's economic success

The "green road map" looks to tackle the likely impact of global warming on the region over the next 20 years.

The Government Office for the North East document says trees will play a vital role in delivering benefits to urban and rural communities.

The blueprint includes a plan to create 25,000 acres of woodland on brown field sites over the next 20 years.

'No empty words'

Public and business organisations have signed-up to the plan, which will be used to co-ordinate initiatives and allocate future resources.

The strategy's targets include boosting rural economies by supporting timber-using industries and creating "clusters" of timber-related businesses near existing facilities.

The plan also calls for greater use of woodlands in managing climate change by planting trees in target areas to help reduce the likelihood of flooding and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Jonathan Blackie, regional director of the Government Office for the North East, said: "By managing our woodlands sustainably we can provide recreational facilities, wildlife habitats, educational resources and work places.

Climate change

"At the same time trees can improve air quality, screen noise, reduce flood risk, improve the landscape and reduce carbon dioxide emissions."

The document states that the region has 225,000 acres of woodland, mostly in Northumberland, representing 12% of land area, compared to the national average of 8.4%.

Over 75% has been planted since 1930. However, Tyne and Wear has one of the nation's lowest levels of tree cover.

Brendan Callaghan, of the Forestry Commission's North East Conservancy, said: "We are clear about our objectives and these are no empty words.

"Work to translate the vision into a grass-roots reality has already begun and each year we will produce a summary to review progress. "

Julian Purvis, deputy chief executive of the Woodland Trust, added: "The strategy highlights the key role that woods and trees play in climate change and health and will contribute to the sustainable development of the region as a whole".