Western Forest Unveils Plan to Establish 2,500 Hectares of Woodland by 2030

A sweeping transformation is coming to the west of England—one that will see thousands of acres of new woodlands take root, reshaping landscapes and enriching local ecosystems. Dubbed the Western Forest, this ambitious project aims to plant 20 million trees by 2050, carving out a new "national forest" stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips.

"We will plant 20 million trees in the Western Forest to bring nature closer to people, prevent flooding and support wildlife." Mary Creagh, Nature Minister

By 2030, the initiative will establish 2,500 hectares (6,200 acres) of new woodlands across five priority areas spanning Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Bristol. But the vision extends far beyond afforestation—it’s about weaving trees into the fabric of the land. With 73% of the designated area classified as farmland, the project will embrace agroforestry, integrating trees into agricultural landscapes. This regenerates soil and bolsters resilience against droughts and floods, all while maintaining food production.

Existing woodlands will also receive a much-needed boost. An additional 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) of forests will be brought under sustainable management by the decade’s end, ensuring long-term health and biodiversity.

The Forest of Avon, one of England’s community forests, will spearhead the Western Forest initiative, backed by a £7.5 million investment from the Government over the next five years. This funding will fuel woodland expansion, habitat restoration, and community planting efforts designed to combat climate change, mitigate flooding, and enhance biodiversity.

A broad coalition of partners is rallying behind this effort, including England’s Community Forests, the West of England Combined Authority, local councils, the National Trust, the Wildlife Trusts, and the Forestry Commission. Even the National Forest Company, which successfully manages the Midlands' National Forest, will lend its expertise to ensure the Western Forest thrives.

"The Western Forest will enhance, connect, and improve our urban and rural landscapes." Alex Stone, Forest of Avon

For the 2.5 million people living in the region, this project isn’t just about trees—it’s about transforming their environment. More green spaces will mean cleaner air, incredible biodiversity, and a healthier, more resilient landscape for future generations.

She added: “The Western Forest will enhance, connect, and improve our urban and rural landscapes, support investment into the region, create jobs and skills opportunities, and bring the endless benefits we get back from planting and caring for our trees.”

National Forest chief executive John Everitt added: “This initiative builds on the success of the National Forest in the Midlands, where planting more than 9.8 million trees has transformed the landscape, benefiting wildlife, communities and the economy.

“The Western Forest was selected because of its ability to demonstrate a similar scale of ambition, with trees and woods supporting growth and farming while enhancing nature’s recovery and access to green space.”