UK to plant 20,000,000 trees to create first new national forest in 30 years
Over 20,000,000 new trees will be planted by 2050 for the UK’s first new national forest in 30 years.
Stretching from the Cotswolds towards northeast Somerset, the new national forest is expected to plant at least 2,500 hectares of new woodland and other tree habitats.
The forest is part of the Government’s Plan for Change and will help support net zero commitments – a key part of Labour’s commitment to build three new National Forests.
The Western Forest will also help with green investment in people and nature across three regions: Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and the West of England.
The project will be led by the Forest of Avon, one of England’s Community Forests supported by up to £7.5 million of government funding.
England hopes to increase woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050 and slow down the decline of species by protecting 30% of land for nature.
There are ‘priority areas’ which will be focused on throughout the new forest’s beginnings in a bid to increase social, economic and environmental benefits to local communities near the nature.
From the rolling hills of the Cotswold National Landscape and Mendips to vibrant urban centres like Bristol, Gloucester and Swindon, areas with the greatest opportunities and benefits for nature and people will be identified.
The Western Forest will also enable new homes and infrastructure needed across the area.
The creation of new publicly accessible green space alongside development will help mitigate flood risks for new communities.
Alex Stone, the chief executive, of Forest of Avon Trust, 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.’
‘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.
Savita Willmott, Chief Executive of the Natural History Consortium, said: ‘The new national forest will serve over 2.5 million local residents, and we will put people and wellbeing at the heart of our transformation plans.
‘Our Western Forest will support communities across our urban centres including Bristol, Bath and Swindon. Our priorities for improving access to nature will boost health as well as provide thousands of opportunities for building green skills, volunteering, and supporting the regional economy in local areas. We can’t wait to get started!’
The Western Forest is the first new national forest confirmed as part of government action to boost nature and tree-planting, achieve net zero by 2050 and create new green jobs.
Achieving the planting of 20 million trees by 2050 will mean that they could absorb approximately 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
It could also help reach the Government’s net zero and nature targets including halting the decline of species and protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030.
Mary Creagh, minister for nature, said: ‘I am absolutely confident that we can get to where we need to get to. Projects like this give me hope and confidence that, with everybody pulling together, working with the public sector and the private sector, we can do it.’
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