The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has worked with the Forestry Commission and the Woodland Trust to deliver woodland at Catterick Training Area, which will enable armed forces to develop skills in using wooded areas as cover in battle.
The woodland also meets best practice guidelines set out by the Forestry Commission and Defra, and is part of Woodlands for Water (WfW), an initiative to enhance England’s water environment.
Jeremy Kalkowski, DIO’s head forester for the north eastern UK, said: "DIO supports our armed forces by providing what they need to live, work and train.
"Our cross-organisational working approach means that not only are we providing an improved facility for military training, but there are huge benefits to the people and communities around Catterick, as well as for the biodiversity and environment of the area.
WfW was established by the Forestry Commission and the Environment Agency to improve the quality of rivers and help against the causes of downstream flooding in England.
Planting on steep hillsides at Catterick reduces ground water flowing into the River Swale. In the last few years, large areas within the north east of England have been subject to flooding.
It is hoped that the new woodland will help reduce the effects of flooding in the area.
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