Costing £7.5million over five years, we take a closer look at one of three vast woodlands planned for the UK’s most nature-depleted nation.
Plans for a vast new National Forest stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips have been unveiled by the government. The Western Forest is an ambitious initiative involving planting 2,500 hectares (6,200 acres) of trees by 2030, contributing to the country’s legally binding target of achieving 16.5% woodland cover in England by 2050.
A Vision for Sustainability and Green Recovery
The Western Forest is one of three new National Forests being created. Over the next five years, £7.5 million in public funding will be invested into the project, which will deliver environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, flood prevention and biodiversity restoration.
The forest will extend across countryside and urban areas, including Bristol and Swindon, covering Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and the wider West of England region. By 2050, the goal is to plant 20 million trees and restore existing woodlands, enhancing the natural landscape for generations to come.
Creating a Resilient Ecosystem – an Expert View:
The Western Forest is an exciting step forward; not just in terms of tree planting, but in how we think about land, nature, and the role of people in shaping both,’ says Dean Meadows, Arboriculturist at ecological consultancy Arbtech.
‘This isn’t just about sticking trees in the ground; it’s about creating living, breathing landscapes that will benefit wildlife, tackle climate change, and bring communities closer to nature,’ he continues. ‘What’s promising is the focus on quality over quantity. Planting the right tree in the right place, for the right reason, protecting ancient woodlands, and supporting natural regeneration – these are all vital if we want to build resilient ecosystems that stand the test of time.’
Integrating Trees with Farmland
Dean Meadows explains it’s also encouraging to see support for farmers and landowners through agroforestry. Integrating trees into working land means we’re not choosing between nature and food security.
“The Western Forest has the potential to become a national exemplar of what ambitious, thoughtful, long-term land use can look like,’ he tells us. ‘It’s not just good news for the environment – it’s good news for people, too. Tree managers like me have a real opportunity here to make a lasting impact, and that’s something to be proud of.’
Key environmental and community benefits: restoring ecosystems and supporting wildlife
The Western Forest project is designed to bring widespread ecological benefits. It will help regenerate soil, encourage wildlife, and reconnect fragmented habitats. The initiative will also:
- Create community woodlands to improve access to green spaces.
- Introduce tree planting in flood-prone areas to mitigate extreme weather events.
- Promote carbon sequestration to support the UK’s net-zero commitments.
- Crucially, the project will provide support for vulnerable species, including: hazel dormice, which are reliant on connected woodland for foraging and nesting; pine martens, which have already been successfully reintroduced to the Forest of Dean; Bechstein’s bats, which need extensive connected woodlands, alongside various woodland fungi that drive nutrient recycling and soil health.
Innovative agroforestry for farmers
A key feature of the Western Forest will be the integration of trees into farming landscapes. With 73% of land in the project area used for agriculture, agroforestry will allow farmers to maintain food production while boosting biodiversity and improving soil health. Government-backed schemes will be available to support farmers in adopting sustainable land management practices that balance productivity with conservation.
A thoughtfully designed planting scheme
The Western Forest will focus on planting native broadleaved trees while promoting natural regeneration. The initiative will also:
- Restore ancient woodland sites and retain mature trees.
- Establish parklands and pastures with grazing alongside tree planting.
- Improve deadwood habitats to support biodiversity.
- Build fencing to protect young trees from deer damage.
An historic step towards a greener future
The Western Forest is the first National Forest project in 30 years, following the success of the Midlands’ National Forest, where over 9.8 million trees have been planted since 1991.
The West of England, with its relatively low woodland cover of 8% (compared to the national average of 10%), has been particularly affected by ash dieback. This project aims to reverse this trend while contributing to national tree-planting targets and climate resilience, helping secure a greener and healthier future for all.
Gill Broad is an Editor at Arbtech Consulting Ltd, an ecological survey and biodiversity net gain specialist in Chester, England.
Image: Marc Pell / Unsplash
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