A group of young people from D2 Youth Zone in Newbiggin Hall have been left devastated after their much-loved community tree planting project was targeted by thieves.
The young people, who had worked hard to plant a new orchard of fruit trees in the heart of their neighbourhood, were heartbroken to discover that 15 of the 18 trees had been stolen last week by two adults.
The project, supported by, D2 Youth Zone, Newcastle City Council, local councillors, Morgan Sindall, Sustain Landscapes and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, was designed to bring nature into the community and give young people a sense of pride and ownership.
Angela Smith, Youth Project Manager at D2 Youth Zone Ltd, said:
“Many of the young people we work with have social, emotional, or mental health challenges, or are neurodivergent. They often feel like they’re constantly being told they’re not good enough.
My role is to listen, validate, and create opportunities that help them feel proud of themselves. This orchard was one of those opportunities.
The young people wanted to do something positive for their community and for local wildlife. That’s how the Bee Better Project and this orchard came to life.
When we planted the trees, we made it clear: these belong to our young people — please look after them. And the community did.
Because of the unusual the dry weather, the young people carried 18 ten-litre buckets of water each week to keep the trees alive. We had plans to train them in tree care and turn this into a lasting legacy. To have all that hard work undone by theft is just heart breaking. We only have three trees left. The young people are devastated.”
D2 Youth Project member, James aged 15 said “I was walking with my brother; I messaged the group chat straight away to see if anyone knew what had happened. I feel very disappointed that someone would just take this from us. They didn’t just steal it from us; they stole it from the whole community.”
Cllr Alex Hay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services said: “What these young people achieved through this project was truly inspiring. It was about more than just planting trees it was about pride, community, and creating something lasting for future generations.
The theft of these trees is deeply disappointing, but it will not take away from the incredible effort and spirit shown by the young people of the D2 Youth Project. We will do everything we can to help rebuild this project and show that kindness and community will always be stronger than selfishness.”
The team is now appealing to the community for support and information and hopes to rebuild the project with the same spirit of hope and resilience that inspired it.
Northumbria Police have confirmed that they are investigating, and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message to their social media channels, or by using live chat and report forms on the Force’s website. Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. Please quote crime reference number: 056223K/25.