A MULTI-million pound project to transform a former farm into a major new woodland has become a charity’s most popular attraction across the county, its leader has said.

The Woodland Trust bought its 167-acre Low Burnhall site, off the A167 south of Durham, in March 2008 for £2.4m.

Since then, it has planted 94,000 trees, as well as creating a wetland habitat, paths and visitor facilities.

Site manager Gary Haley said Low Burnhall had become the trust’s most popular asset in County Durham, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.

And though most of the newly planted trees are still just a few feet tall, Mr Haley said within a few years visitors would find themselves walking through a wood.

“It’s been fantastic. People really love the site. We get a lot of really positive feedback.

“We have achieved what we wanted to do. It’s very popular with people and it’s getting more and more use.”

The site was planted in six phases between 2010 and 2012, using native broadleaf trees such as birch, rowan, cherry, ash and oak.

A range of events are planned for the coming months, including an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4 from 1pm to 4pm. For more details, call Emma Bishop on 07437 573773 or email info@oasesnortheast.org.uk