New community forest will deliver 500 hectares of woodland

A new community forest will be created in Plymouth and South Devon. 

Under the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affair’s (Defra’s) England Trees Action Plan, various community forests will be created across the country, contributing to an extra 6,700 hectares of woodland.

Community Forests have been around for nearly 30 years and have helped to deliver urban, economic and social regeneration.

Plymouth and South Devon have received £480,000 worth of funding from the Nature for Climate Fund (NCF), the funding will be used to develop canopy cover across the city and plant up to 500 hectares of woodland in 2025.

It is hoped that the project will create green jobs and will help training young people, who will be invited to lead aspects of the project.

Forestry Minister Lord Goldsmith said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest to the Community Forest network.

‘Joining this network will enable Plymouth and South Devon to receive key support from Nature for Climate Fund through Trees for Climate funding to plant trees and help rewild areas that are most in need. The health and wellbeing benefits are some of the most important reasons we need to be making more space for trees.’

Paul Nolan, chair, England’s Community Forests: said: ‘We are really pleased to welcome Plymouth and South Devon into the Community Forest family. England’s Community Forests have been transforming the landscapes and communities in and around our largest towns and cities for 30 years.

‘In that time, we have always been committed to sharing the powerful principles of community forestry as widely as possible so millions of people can experience the many benefits of trees and woodland. Today’s announcement marks another exciting chapter in the story of community forestry across England and for the area of Plymouth and South Devon.

‘Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest will create space for nature, encourage enterprise and support the area’s commitment to tackle climate change. Joining the powerful partnership of 10 established Community Forests across the country will support these ambitions, enabling local people and partners to achieve truly transformational environmental and social change.’

Photo Credit – supplied