A major new woodland initiative, the Western Forest, will cover at least 2,500 hectares and be accessible to urban areas such as Bristol, Gloucester, and Swindon. Led by the Forest of Avon Trust, this ambitious project will receive up to £7.5 million in government funding over five years.

The initiative aims to enhance tree cover, restore existing woodlands, and create an extensive forest network. It aligns with the UK Government’s broader commitment to establishing three new national forests and reaching its target of increasing tree and woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050.

The Forestry Commission played a key role in selecting the project and will support its development alongside the National Forest Company, an organisation experienced in large-scale woodland creation. Collaboration with landowners, local authorities, and environmental groups will ensure the successful integration of the new forest into the landscape.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has expressed strong support for the net zero target, stating that UK businesses are committed to achieving it and view it as an appropriate response to the global climate crisis. Additionally, public opinion appears to favour the net zero goal, with a YouGov poll from October 2024 indicating that 65% of British adults support the target, while 22% oppose it. As the debate continues, policymakers face the challenge of balancing environmental objectives with economic considerations, reflecting the complexity of addressing climate change in a sustainable and practical manner.

Beyond environmental benefits, the Western Forest is expected to contribute to economic growth and job creation across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and the West of England. The project will also emphasise community involvement, with initiatives focused on volunteering, education, and public accessibility. Given that over 73% of the designated land is currently agricultural, the project will work closely with farmers to incorporate trees into the landscape through agroforestry and farm woodland strategies. These efforts will help balance conservation with sustainable farming practices.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating: “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.” Creagh added that the Western Forest will play a crucial role in “bringing nature closer to people, preventing flooding, and supporting wildlife”. The project also contributes to the UK’s legally binding target of protecting 30% of its land and sea by 2030. However, recent findings from Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) indicate that only 9.7% of England’s seas and 3% of its land are currently effectively protected for nature. With strong governmental backing and regional collaboration, the Western Forest represents a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable future for the West of England.

Reference:

New legally environment targets set out: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-legally-binding-environment-targets-set-out?

New Western Forest to be created in England: https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/uk/western-forest-new-woods-england-cotswolds-mendips/

New national forest to see 20m trees planted: https://www.yahoo.com/news/national-forest-see-20m-trees-023452470.html

New ‘national forest’ plans for west of England unveiled: https://www.shropshirestar.com/uk-news/2025/03/21/new-national-forest-plans-for-west-of-england-unveiled/

Biggest ever tree planting year for Northern Forest: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/press-centre/2024/09/biggest-ever-tree-planting-year-for-northern-forest/

New Forest for the Nation competition launched: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-forest-for-the-nation-competition-launched

Seeing the wood for the trees: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmenvaud/406/report.html

Working together to meet government targets for tree planting: https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/08/working-together-to-meet-government-targets-for-tree-planting-in-england/

Western Forest spearheaded by Forest of Avon: https://www.wenp.org.uk/priority-programmes/western-forest

An evidence led approach to Government’s tree ambitions: https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2022/06/15/taking-an-evidence-led-approach-to-delivery-of-the-governments-tree-target/

Thriving for the Future: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forestry-commission-strategy-2023-2028/thriving-for-the-future-forestry-commission-strategy-2023-28

Government position on woodland creation in England: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-position-on-woodland-creation-in-england/natural-england-and-forestry-commission-our-position-on-woodland-creation