A new national forest in the UK to reach ambitious environmental goals

The Western Forest, covering 2,500 hectares across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Bristol, is an ambitious new initiative by the UK Government to create a green space that will help tackle the climate crisis and improve the quality of life in urban and rural areas.

A new national forest, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips, aims to contribute to the UK’s environmental target of 16.5% forest cover by 2050, an increase from the current 10%.

This is the Western Forest, a new and ambitious English project that, over the next few decades, will plant 20 million trees and create at least 6,177 acres (2,500 hectares) of new woodland. It is part of the UK government’s promise to establish national forests across the country, promoting biodiversity, combating climate change, and providing citizens with direct access to nature.

The Western Forest

The Western Forest is the first new national forest project in England since the creation of the National Forest in the Midlands. Its goal is to double the country’s tree cover, with hopes to restore natural habitats and support local flora and fauna.

One key aspect of the project is the integration of trees into agricultural landscapes through agroforestry, a practice that can regenerate soil, protect against droughts and floods, and simultaneously produce food.

With nearly all of the designated area currently used for farming, the Western Forest will seek to incorporate vegetation into agricultural land, promoting sustainable resource management and protecting the land from extreme climate events. Additionally, the project is not limited to creating new woodlands; it also includes the restoration of 3,707 acres (1,500 hectares) of already forested land, aiming for sustainable management of these habitats by 2030.

The project will be carried out by the Forest of Avon, one of England’s most significant community forests. Funds will be used to connect existing woodlands, create mixed habitats, and support community tree planting, with the goal of preventing flooding and reducing damage caused by heavy rainfall.

This is truly a wonderful initiative that will not only enhance natural landscapes but also stimulate the local economy, creating new job and training opportunities for the residents of these areas, and improving the quality of life and the environment for future generations. Wouldn’t it be great if other countries followed suit?