The North East's beautiful coast and rural countryside is set to get a bumper £17m investment to help them thrive. 

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Combined Authority leaders are set to approve the huge plan to protect the region’s unique landscapes, and help rural and coastal places to thrive. 

Set over 3,000 squares miles, the North East is home to "world-class" rural and coastal landscapes and attractions, including Northumberland National Park, two National Landscape areas in Northumberland Coast and the North Pennines, and over 500km of coastline. 

The region plays a crucial role in supporting farming, food and forests and boasts a substantial visitor economy.  

Now the Mayor and Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, have announced action to ensure these areas are supported, through an Environmental Stewardship, Coast, and Rural Growth Investment Plan. 

The plan aims to attract investment to help businesses to grow, protect the environment and landscapes from climate change, and work alongside the Combined Authority’s devolved powers to address challenges like the access to affordable homes and digital exclusion. 

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “When I was elected Mayor I promised to represent and invest in all places across our great North East. We are making good on that promise, using our devolved powers and investment fund to back our rural villages, market towns and coastal communities. 

“I live in a rural town and know first hand the North East’s beauty makes our region one of the best places in the world to live, work and visit. However, that beauty must be nurtured and protected, now and for future generations. 

“From Berwick to Barnard Castle, we will ensure no place in the North East is overlooked and left behind, and that we create opportunity for all areas across our region.” 

Cabinet member for Environment, Coastal and Rural at the North East Combined Authority Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "This Investment Plan, the first developed by a Combined Authority, sets out a fresh approach to investing in our unique natural environmental, economic and cultural assets. 

"There are strong interdependencies between the North East’s rural and coastal areas and neighbouring urban population and business centres.  

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"This ambitious plan recognises this and many of our ambitions will benefit the entire region, including accelerating the transition to net zero through investment in natural assets, supporting local nature recovery, building resilience to climate change impacts, and improving people’s health and wellbeing." 

The report will go to the North East Combined Authority Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 26 November for approval.  

The investment plan will be launched by the Environmental Stewardship, Coast, and Rural Taskforce in December, and set out priorities for the North East’s rural and coastal communities.