Competition launched for new national forest in Ox-Cam Growth Corridor

A new competition has been launched for a delivery partner for a new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.

The new forest will focus on delivering nature recovery alongside sustainable urban growth.

Meanwhile, potential delivery partners for a new national forest in the Midlands or North of England are being invited to register their interest. This forest will be designed to address health inequalities in the North of England or Midlands through the creation of attractive, accessible natural spaces for all.

Deadline for both expressions of interest for the Midlands/North of England and competition for the Ox-Cam corridor will close on 20 May.

Planting has already begun at the Western Forest, the first new national forest in 30 years, which will see more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and that’s what we’re delivering. Our second new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor shows that sustainable growth and a thriving natural environment go hand in hand.

“Our third new national forest will mean creating more new green jobs and planting millions of trees, and I encourage every eligible organisation across the Midlands and North of England with the vision and expertise to be part of this to come forward.”

National Forest Chief Executive John Everitt said: “We are excited to see how these new national forests can demonstrate real transformation, promoting nature’s recovery as part of new development in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, and tackling health inequalities in the Midlands or North of England.

“With the right partners these new forests can drive green growth and have a lasting impact on the landscape, communities and businesses”.