UK Government Announces Creation of Western Forest with 20 Million Trees by 2050
The £7.5 million initiative aims to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and integrate sustainable farming across the west of England.
- The Western Forest will span from the Cotswolds to the Mendips, covering areas in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Bristol.
- The project plans to plant 20 million trees by 2050 and create 2,500 hectares of new woodland by 2030.
- Agroforestry will be a key focus, integrating trees into farmland to regenerate soil, mitigate flooding, and support food production.
- The initiative will bring 1,500 hectares of existing woodland into sustainable management and connect habitats to support biodiversity.
- The project builds on the success of the National Forest in the Midlands and aims to improve landscapes, create jobs, and benefit 2.5 million residents.