UK Branches Out with First New Forest in 30 Years
Bamboo forest in Japan, ©dcarsprungli
The UK government has announced the creation of its first new national forest in 30 years: the Western Forest. This ambitious project will see 20 million trees planted on 2,500 hectares (6,177 acres) in the west of England by 2050. It is part of a “national forest” drive encompassing areas in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Bristol.
The Western Forest is a key initiative in the government’s broader environmental strategy, aiming to increase England’s tree and woodland cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050. This target is part of a legally binding commitment to enhance forest cover and biodiversity. The project is also aligned with the government’s Plan for Change, which includes protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030.
The government said it will put £7.5 million into the forest over the next five years. Planting the trees is a critical component of the UK’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions. Young trees, in particular, are effective at sequestering carbon dioxide (CO₂) through photosynthesis, storing it in their wood, roots, leaves, and surrounding soil. Each tree thus plays an essential role in the global carbon cycle by soaking up the CO₂ that would otherwise end up in the atmosphere. On average, a tree stores approximately 24.62 kg of CO₂ per year. Over the course of 80 years, this equates to about 1,970 kg of CO₂ per tree, depending on species and growth conditions.
Forest in New Zealand, ©dcarsprungli
At the same time, the government said the project will create jobs in the region, promoting economic growth. What’s more, woodlands improve the quality of the water in the area, restore watersheds, help contain flooding and benefit the diversity of wildlife, especially for migratory species and pollinators.
As the first of three new national forests promised by the government, the Western Forest sets a precedent for large-scale environmental restoration projects, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development and ecological stewardship.
By bringing nature closer to the surrounding inhabitants, these forests will enhance access to green spaces for over 2.5 million residents in the region. They will improve people’s well-being by providing shelter, reducing noise pollution, lifting moods, and reducing stress, while also providing peaceful spaces to appreciate nature’s beauty.
