The government has announced that a new national forest will be created in the south west of England, spanning Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, the Cotswolds and the Mendips. It will be known as The Western Forest, and will consist of new trees and existing woodlands.
BBC News reports that it will be the first of three new National Forests promised by the government as part of the target to achieve 16.5 per cent woodland cover in England by 2050. So far, there is only 10 per cent tree cover, and the aim is to plant 30,000 hectares of new woodland across the UK every year.
The reasons for the drive to increase woodland cover are environmental, economic, and social. Forestry and woodland:
- Store carbon and reduce harmful levels of CO2 in the atmosphere
- Provide a sustainable source of building materials
- Creates new jobs
- Boosts local economies
- Benefits wildlife
- Reduces erosion and improves soil quality
- Boosts flood resilience
- Provides public recreational areas and access to nature
As the drive to increase the use of timber in construction gears up, the government also aims to increase the production of domestic lumber for UK timber frame suppliers. Currently, the UK imports around 80 per cent of its lumber, which makes it one of the highest importers in the world.
However, as countries worldwide work to reduce the consumption of unsustainable resources such as materials used to make concrete and steel and lower carbon emissions, the demand for timber is expected to rise sharply over the next decade. This will mean that prices will also increase, so the government is keen to support the domestic timber industry.
When was the first National Forest created?
The first National Forest was created over a 200 square mile area in the Midlands, with over 9.5 million trees planted since 1991. The area was selected to regenerate post-industrial landscape that was scarred by coal mining and clay extraction, and also to link up the remains of ancient forests at Charnwood and Needwood.
The project has been widely welcomed by the public, and received support from successive governments. The forest cover of the area has been increased over the last 30 years from six per cent to 25 per cent.
Over 80 per cent of the new woodland is accessible to the public, and there are over 100km of promoted walks. Thousands of hectares of new wildlife habitats have been created, and over 5000 jobs in the recreation and tourism sector have been supported per year.
The next step: three new National Forests
As the link between woodland and a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future becomes clearer and more urgent, the government has pledged to create three new national forests by 2030, including the Western Forest in south west England.
Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “The Government was elected on a mandate to plant three new national forests this parliament, as part of our commitment to reach net zero and drive sustainable growth under the Government’s Plan for Change.”
She added: “We will plant 20 million trees in the Western Forest to bring nature closer to people, prevent flooding and support wildlife.” She added that funding options for the delivery of the next two new National Forests were being explored, with the aim to have them established within five years.”
Alex Stone, Chief Executive of Forest of Avon, England’s Community Forests, 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 2.5 million residents and visitors to the region.”
The team who oversaw the success of the first National Forest in the Midlands, the National Forest Company, will be closely involved in the creation of the next national forest.
National Forest Chief Executive John Everitt OBE said: “The National Forest Company is delighted to see the announcement of the Western Forest as the first of the government’s new national forest commitments.”
He 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, benefitting wildlife, communities and the economy.”
The new project will see 20 million trees planted on farmland, and will encompass urban areas including Gloucester and Bristol.