Government to plant first National Forest for 30 years

A new national forest that will stretch from the Cotswolds to the Mendips is set to be created.

The new Western Forest will 20 million trees set to be planted across the West of England in the coming decades in a bid to create at least 2,500 hectares of new woodland.

The forest will serve over 2.5 million residents, bringing trees and woodlands closer to where people live, including in urban centres such as Bristol, Gloucester and Swindon.

The new national forest is to help the drive to net zero while promoting economic growth and creating jobs in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and across the West of England. It will also help to meet nature and legal environment targets including halting the decline of species and protecting 30 per cent of land for nature by 2030.

The project will work to revitalise existing woodlands and other important habitats to create a forest network for people and wildlife at a truly landscape scale.  

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “The Government was elected on a mandate to plant three new national forests this parliament, as part of our commitment to reach net zero and drive sustainable growth under the Government’s Plan for Change.

“We will plant 20 million trees in the Western Forest to bring nature closer to people, prevent flooding and support wildlife.”
Alex Stone, Chief Executive of Forest of Avon, England’s Community Forests, said:

 ”The Forest of Avon is thrilled to have led a wonderfully diverse and engaged partnership to bring the Western Forest to life. This is about resource, funding and expertise coming directly to landowners, partners and communities, planting millions of trees in the right places. Together, we will enhance landscapes for all to enjoy, improving the lives of our 2.5 million residents and visitors to the region.  

“Encompassing two of England’s Community Forests and working alongside the National Forest Company and Defra, the Western Forest will enhance, connect and improve our urban and rural landscapes, support investment into the region, create jobs and skills opportunities and bring the endless benefits we get back from planting and caring for our trees. It is a very exciting time for this region, and we look forward to helping shape what the Western Forest will become.”