On March 21, 2025, the UK government officially unveiled plans for a groundbreaking new initiative that aims to create the Western Forest, the first national forest in England in three decades. This ambitious project is set to transform the landscape from the Cotswolds to the Mendips, encompassing areas in Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset, all of which will benefit from the planting of 20 million trees and the creation of approximately 2,500 hectares of new woodland.
The initiative, designed to bolster the nation’s commitment to enhance environmental landscapes, is part of a broader goal to increase tree cover in England to 16.5% by 2050. Currently, England's woodland cover stands at just 10%, leaving much work to be done to achieve these targets.
According to government officials, this new forest will not only serve as a vital ecological habitat but also as a community resource. It aims to directly benefit around 2.5 million residents by bringing trees and green spaces closer to urban areas, including key cities like Bristol, Swindon, and Gloucester. This project is being spearheaded by the Forest of Avon Trust, which emphasizes its commitment to community involvement.
Repeating a call for collaboration, Alex Stone, Chief Executive of the Forest of Avon, stated, “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.” Stone expressed hope that the initiative would improve the quality of life for local residents and revitalize existing ecosystems.
Mary Creagh, the Nature Minister, underscored the government's commitment to environmental sustainability as she highlighted the importance of this project. “The government was elected on a mandate to plant three new national forests this parliament,” she said, detailing how the Western Forest would contribute to the UK's plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions while preventing flooding and supporting local wildlife.
The UK government has pledged approximately £7.5 million in funding over the next five years to help facilitate these efforts. This funding will primarily be allocated to restoring and revitalizing existing woodland areas and supporting the planting of new trees that can contribute to flood mitigation and biodiversity.
Recent studies have shown that across the UK, only 13% of the land area is currently covered by woodland, equating to about 3.28 million hectares. Achieving the goal of planting 30,000 hectares of woodland annually is essential, with the most recent estimates suggesting that only about 5,500 hectares of this figure is from England. “We’re making significant progress on tree planting,” said Andy Egan, head of conservation policy at the Woodland Trust, “but still have much more to do in order to meet the UK's targets.”
The Western Forest is envisioned to act as a network of both urban and rural wooded areas, enhancing the overall landscape for wildlife while promoting economic opportunities within the region as new jobs are created in the forestry sector. Furthermore, with almost three-quarters of the forest's designated area being agricultural land, it opens an opportunity for integrating trees into farming practices through agroforestry.
John Everitt, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company, welcomed the announcement, citing the transformative impact similar initiatives have had in other regions. “This initiative builds on the success of the National Forest in the Midlands, where planting over 9.8 million trees has transformed the landscape, benefiting wildlife, communities, and the economy,” he noted.
Throughout the planning stages, the Western Forest has garnered support from over 40 organizations, including local councils and conservation groups, which underscores the commitment from various stakeholders to collaborate for a greener future. The emphasis on enhancing biodiversity goals and protecting a significant portion of land for nature by 2030 is a critical component of the project.
The scale of the tree-planting target, which aims to reach 20 million by 2050, is set against a background of urgent calls for increased climate action. The Woodland Trust highlights that maintaining support for tree planting efforts is essential amidst challenging public spending environments. “Successful tree planting and ongoing management needs long-term grant support,” Egan stated.
As the government moves forward with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Western Forest stands as a symbol of hope and a testament to community action, dedicated towards creating a connected and verdant landscape that supports both residents and wildlife alike. With planning well underway, the next steps will be focused on engaging local communities and fostering a sense of shared ownership of this vital green space.
In summary, the Western Forest initiative is an unprecedented step towards promoting forestry and environmental stewardship in England. It demonstrates an effective collaboration between various sectors aimed at enhancing the natural landscape, invigorating local economies, and addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, all while making nature more accessible to communities across the country.
