Residents are being given the chance to have their say on a £32.6m development of a County Durham forest that is set to include cabins, an activity centre and more.

Plans to improve the "visitor experience" of Hamsterley Forest in Bishop Auckland are set to be put to residents from next month as plans to transform the site move forward.

The forest, which welcomes around 200,000 visitors each year, could soon hold a GoApe outdoor adventure centre as well as 70 cabins by Forest Holidays.

Plans also include a new net zero visitor centre with classroom space for schools and groups, increased café and catering facilities, a bike hub, new toilets and fit-for-purpose office accommodation for staff based in the forest.

Kevin May, Forestry England's local Forest Management Director says:  "Forestry England manages woodlands to reverse biodiversity decline, improve our health and wellbeing, produce sustainable timber and absorb carbon while being resilient to climate change.

"The vital work we do costs millions of pounds every year and although a small percentage, less than 10 per cent, comes from the government, the majority is self-generated with the support of members, visitors, timber sales and partners such as Forest Holidays and Go Ape.

"These funds allow Forestry England to continue our work to support nature, help wildlife, and open up more green spaces for the benefit of all.

"We want to invest in Hamsterley Forest now to make sure it remains resilient, relevant and fit for purpose to what people want locally, regionally and nationally."

This update comes just weeks after a group of residents living in and around the forest set up the Hamsterley Forest Action Group - a community-led collective created in July with the aim of opposing the plans.

A petition set up by the group to "protect" the forest has already been set up - and has nearly 1,300 signatures.

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Specific details including the location in the forest of the developments have not yet been revealed - but a spokesperson for Forestry England has said proposals may be revealed in a matter of months.

Public exhibitions will take place at:

Hamsterley Forest Visit Centre

  • September 9, 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7:30pm

The Auckland Project, Auckland Tower

  • September 10, 12pm-2pm and 4:30pm-7pm