News / Western Forest
Bristol to form part of new national forest
Bristol will form past of the first ‘national forest’ in more than 30 years
Western Forest will stretch from the Cotswolds to the Mendips, with 2,500 hectares of new woodland and other tree habitats made up of 20m trees due to be planted by 2050.
The new forest will be “spearheaded” by the Forest of Avon Trust and supported by up to £7.5m of government funding over five years.
is needed now More than ever
It is hoped that by “accelerating tree-planting in local areas, the project will work to revitalise existing woodlands and other important habitats to create a forest network for people and wildlife at a truly landscape scale, and bringing trees and woodlands closer to where people live”.
“The forests will work with both rural and urban communities, working across new collaborations to create transformational programmes focused on volunteering, health, education and access.”
The Western Forest partnership with minister for nature Mary Creagh – photo: First Avenue Photography
Forest of Avon chief executive, Alex Stone, said: “The Forest of Avon is thrilled to have led a wonderfully diverse and engaged partnership to bring the Western Forest to life.
“This is about resource, funding and expertise coming directly to landowners, partners and communities, planting millions of trees in the right places.
“Together, we will enhance landscapes for all to enjoy, improving the lives of our 2.5m residents and visitors to the region.
“Encompassing two of England’s Community Forests and working alongside the National Forest Company and Defra, 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.
“It is a very exciting time for this region, and we look forward to helping shape what the Western Forest will become.”
Savita Willmott, chief Executive of Bristol’s Natural History Consortium, added: “The new national forest will serve over 2.5m local residents, and we will put people and wellbeing at the heart of our transformation plans.
“Our Western Forest will support communities across our urban centres including Bristol, Bath and Swindon.
“Our priorities for improving access to nature will boost health as well provide thousands of opportunities for building green skills, volunteering and supporting the regional economy in local areas. We can’t wait to get started!”
West of England metro mayor Dan Norris said he is “so pleased that our region will be home to a brand new national forest”.
Norris said: “This is a massive vote of confidence in the West and puts us at the forefront of a greener, more sustainable future.
“The Western Forest will not only provide homes for our local wildlife but also places of solace, adventure and inspiration for people from across the West of England and beyond, now and for generations to come.”
Main photo: Bristol Design
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