Residents were given their first look at detailed plans that could transform County Durham's largest forest - here's everything you need to know.
Hamsterley Forest could soon be home to cabins and an outdoor activity centre should plans be approved by the council for a development which would change the "visitor experience".
Detailed proposals including the locations of planned car parks, play areas, campsites and cabins have now been revealed and were exhibited at Auckland Tower this week.
But, what happens now and what could the forest look like?
Here is everything you need to know about the proposals.
What are the plans?
Seventy cabins, a Go Ape Activity Centre, accommodation and meeting spaces are just some of the future plans for the 5,000-acre Hamsterley Forest.
The multi-million-pound development will also include a campsite, a cycle hub, glades and further habitats for multiple species.
Each year, the forest attracts 200,000 visitors, as owners of Forestry England say "existing facilities are now in need of upgrading and redeveloping to make sure they meet visitor needs".
Said proposals include a new and improved public car park charging points and a natural play area, a café and classrooms.
When were the plans announced?
The proposals have been under discussion for some years, but the public was made aware of plans for 70 cabins in the forest in 2021.
A spokesperson at the time said they were in the "early stages" of looking into ways to improve the forest.
Now, three years on, detailed plans for the site have been revealed and were exhibited at Auckland Tower this week (September 10).
What has been said about the plans?
Residents have had mixed reviews of the proposals, with some saying that they think it is "great" whilst others believe it would have an impact on habitats in the forest.
Pensioners Frank and Marian Holmes, aged 77 and 78, were some of the first to visit the tower to see the plans on September 10.
The couple are from Weardale and often visit the forest for walks, but told The Northern Echo they felt "worried" about the impact the development could have.
Glyn Humphries, aged 53, was another person who came to check out the plans. The Spennymoor dad is a keen mountain biker and visits the forest frequently to enjoy the trails.
For him, the development could be very positive if it gets the go-ahead.
He told The Northern Echo: "Overall, I think it is good. I have been to other forests which have been upgraded with things like a bigger café and bike hub.
"GoApe is something I am not really interested in personally but I think it will attract other people. My only concern is that there is a plan for 70 cabins which I think is a big development. 70 seems a lot.
"I am thinking whether this would increase traffic into Hamsterley when already the roads aren't the best."
Hamsterley Forest Action Group - a community-led collective was created this summer with the aim of opposing the plans when they are officially submitted.
They believe that objecting to proposals would "preserve the existing tranquillity and natural environment" of the forest and have been rallying together those with similar concerns on social media.
A petition set up by the group to "protect" the forest has already been set up - and is close to 1,500 signatures.
What have bosses said?
At the exhibition held at Auckland Castle on Tuesday, Project Manager for Forestry England Lucy Naudris said: "Today has been really nice, to give people the opportunity to see and understand what the potential plans are and to really get an understanding of why we are doing this project.
"We have had a lot of mountain bikers today, who have a lot of positive things to say.
"Others have come and by being able to see the information and ask questions about what we are trying to achieve which is a forest for everybody and is fit for the future."
Where can I find out more?
If you missed the public exhibitions but still want to find out more, you can click here and see the plans in detail.
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What happens now?
Forestry England now plans to take the feedback they have gathered from residents and use it to develop the plans.
Updated plans will then be compiled and submitted to Durham County Council who will have the chance to approve or reject the plans.
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