By Abdullahi Lukman
The United Kingdom is to establish its first new national forest in 30 years, a vast project spanning at least 6,200 acres and involving the planting of 20 million trees across Somerset, Gloucestershire, Bristol, and Wiltshire by 2050, the government announced, Friday.
The “Western Forest” aims to bring nature closer to 2.5 million residents, combat climate change, and support wildlife, with the Forest of Avon spearheading the initiative and receiving up to $9.69 million in government funding over five years.
The project, part of the government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions and driving sustainable growth, will revitalize existing woodlands and create new habitats at a large scale.
Nature Minister, Mary Creagh, maintained that the forest will “bring nature closer to people, prevent flooding, and support wildlife.”
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The Western Forest will contribute to the UK’s goal of increasing tree and woodland cover in England to 16.5 percent by 2050 and align with the government’s 30×30 target of protecting 30 percent of land for nature by 2030.
Over 73 percent of the planned forest area is farmland, presenting opportunities for farmers to integrate trees through farm woodlands and agroforestry, which can improve soil health and resilience to climate impacts.
Alex Stone, chief executive of Forest of Avon, highlighted the project’s focus on delivering resources and expertise to landowners and communities.
John Everitt, chief executive of the National Forest Company, which will mentor the project, praised the initiative’s ambition, drawing parallels to the successful National Forest in the Midlands.
The Western Forest was selected for its potential to support growth, farming, and nature recovery.
The announcement follows other recent government environmental initiatives, including the wild release of beavers, new pesticide regulations, and strengthened protected areas.
