New national forest aims to transform west of England landscape

Farm leaders have given a cautious welcome to plans announced by Defra on Friday (21 March) to create the first national forest in 30 years, but insist farmers be rewarded for their contribution.

The Western Forest project will see 20 million trees planted across the west of England, creating at least 2,500ha of new woodland by 2030.

More than 70% of this will be on agricultural land.

The plan, spearheaded by the Forest of Avon, aims to deliver a greener, more connected landscape across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset, benefiting both rural and urban communities.

This initiative is part of the government’s Plan for Change and supports its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, while promoting economic growth and halting species decline.

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.”

See also: Calls for Defra budget transparency after SFI closure

While the new Western Forest will include the planting of trees in urban centres such as Bristol, Gloucester, and Swindon, the bulk of it (73%) will be on agricultural land.

NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “For this national forest to be successful, farmers must be given the choice to make the right decision for their businesses.

“Farmers must be engaged throughout its development to help ensure the right tree is planted in the right place, to enable them to produce food for the nation at the same time as caring for the environment.

‘With the right support, farmers who want to get involved should be able to contribute to and benefit from this project.”

Ann Maidment, South West regional director of the CLA, which represents farmers across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, said: “We look forward to learning more about the new Western Forest, particularly what it will mean for farmers, and how financial incentives will be provided at a time when the Government has decided to close the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

“We need to ensure that the creation of the national forest provides opportunities for farmers to continue using the land productively while supporting biodiversity and climate change measures.”

Carrot, not stick

The Western Forest says it will work closely with farmers to integrate trees into the farmed landscape through agroforestry and farm woodlands.

It promises to provide farmers with incentives to plant trees in suitable areas, without the need for compulsory purchase orders.

“Trees planted as part of agroforestry systems allow farmers to reap their many environmental benefits while continuing agricultural production,” a spokesperson from the project said.