Save Newcastle Wildlife group is behind the drive which is concerned over schemes it says will see 600 trees felled
More than 1,600 people have signed a petition to back a 'Put Nature on the Map in Newcastle' campaign.
It has been launched by Save Newcastle Wildlife and follows its concern over two schemes backed by the council it says will see the loss of 600 trees.
One will see 70 trees felled around Pendower Hall in the West End of Newcastle and another that will see 518 chopped down to make way for a road widening scheme at Killingworth Road.
It is calling on Newcastle City Council to plant more trees in the city to replace them in order to protect exisiting wildlife corridors and designed wildlife sites.
In a statement, the group said: "Many of the trees form important woodland and wildlife corridors. Newcastle's tree ocver is already well below the national average so the city cannot afford to lose any more trees.
"Trees offer shade in summer and shelter in winter. They enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighbourhoods, reduce soil erosion, mitigate for flooding and provide important wildlife habitats.
"They purify the air we breathe and can help reduce the harmful effects of air pollution, which is now known to cost more than 100 lives per year in Newcastle."
The group is aiming for 2,500 signatures after which it will request a full council debate on what it sees as the need to strengthen protection of the city's green environment and wildlife.
"We are calling for more trees, shrubs, hedgerows, green roofs and living walls, and the introduction of wildflower areas and weed killer free zones," its statement said.
"Not only will this benefit wildlife, but will help mitigate the effects of air pollution and climate change."
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said it recognised the importance of trees and green spaces in creating a pleasant and healthy environment and lifestyle for residents.
The spokesperson added: "While a number of shrubs and some trees will be removed as part of the Killingworth Road scheme, 2,225 shrubs and trees will be planted in their place.2
It is proposed that 44 would be larger, heavy-standard oak trees and the remaining 2,181 would be native woodland trees and shrubs.
"At Pendower Hall, the application was granted on condition that a woodland management and tree protection plan will be put in place," the spokesperson added.
"The scheme will not only bring the wonderful listed building back into use but it will ensure that the gorunds are restored to their former glory with appropriate and well managed tree cover."