The government has announced the creation of a new national forest, spanning Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, the Cotswolds, and the Mendips – the first of three planned national forests. 

This initiative to create a new national forest, named the Western Forest, will involve planting 20 million trees across existing woodlands and newly planned areas. At least 2500 hectares of woodland will also be created when the Western Forest is completed – an area almost half the size of the Isle of Wight. 

The Forest of Avon will be leading the push for tree planting, with up to £7.5 million of funding being used to increase tree-planting efforts across the west of England. 

Tree-planting targets 

The Western Forest is the first of three planned national forests aimed to be planted by 2050, helping the UK to meet its legally binding tree-planting targets. 

The Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 (EIP23) outlines government’s targets and commitments; tree canopy and woodland cover must be increased from 14.5% to 16.5% of total land area in England by 2050. 

Tree-planting targets are essential to enhance woodland resilience, enhance biodiversity, protect local wildlife, and tackle climate change. The new national forest will also integrate trees into farmland, utilising agroforestry to provide additional benefits. Almost three-quarters of the land used for the Western Forest is currently farmland, so integrating trees into farmland is essential for the project. 

Existing woodland of an area up to 1500 hectares is also planned to be transformed by placing current woodlands into sustainable woodland management. Sustainable management is essential to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, increase carbon capture and storage, enhance biodiversity, and boost local economies. 

Current progress 

The start of what will become three new national forests is a positive step forward for forestry and is a welcome initiative to help the UK meet its targets. The UK is among the least woodland-covered nation in Europe, with current figures putting us at just 13.5% coverage. Compared to Europe’s average of 46% coverage, work must be done to increase the UK’s current figures in order to protect nature, the environment, industry, and air quality. 

The current undertaking of the EIP23’s rapid review may also lead to further progress. Details have currently not been shared, but the aims shared in government’s interim statement promise clear, decisive action and delivery plans. 

The long-term plans for the Western Forest will mirror the National Forest in the Midlands, where almost 10 million trees have been planted, creating a trove of benefits for the local environment, wildlife, and the local economy.