Wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts have been celebrating the recent announcement of a new National Forest. News of the planned Western Forest came in late March.
The Western Forest will span more than 2,500 hectares and will see as many as 20 million new trees planted from the Cotswolds to the Mendips before 2050. It will provide new woodland access in Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. The plan is part of the current government’s promise to create three new forests.
Mary Creagh, minister for nature, told the BBC the Western Forest would also “make a huge difference” to water quality, flood resilience and to wildlife as well as bringing nature “closer to people” in the region.
This is the first new forest since the creation of the National Forest of the Midlands in the 1990s. That has transformed 200 square miles of industrial land to green space with the planting of 9.8 million trees.
“The Western Forest was selected because of its ability to demonstrate a similar scale of ambition, with trees and woods supporting growth and farming while enhancing nature’s recovery and access to green space. Our countryside and woodlands are a source of great national pride.”
National Forest Chief Executive John Everitt OBE
The National Forest Company touts many benefits of the forest planting programmes:
- Tourism. The woodlands provide walking trails and more opportunities for outdoor exploration.
- Wellness. Access to green space has been shown to boost both mental and physical health.
- Climate. The additional trees will move the UK closer to the government’s goal of 16.5% tree cover by 2050. As well as storing more carbon, the canopy will help to reduce flooding and it will help to cool urban areas.
- Farming. More trees provide more shelter for livestock. They also provide better cover and protection for soil.
- Wildlife. The forests help slow and reverse the decline of natural habitats, providing opportunities for endangered species to reestablish themselves.
- Economy. The woodlands will allow for more job opportunities in the fields of land management and forestry.
Exploring Britain’s Forests
If you want to explore forests elsewhere in the UK, here are just a few ideas:
Scotland
Seven of the UK’s ten largest forests are north of the border so there is plenty of woodland to explore in Scotland. Galloway Forest Park was named one of National Geographic’s go-to places in 2024 and it’s a magnificent spot for stargazing. Alternatively, hike the ancient Caledonian pinewoods of Glen Affric or visit the Enchanted Forest of Faskally Wood.
For more ideas and to plan your outdoor adventure, head to Visit Scotland’s Forests and Woodlands Guide.
Wales
Tracts of ancient forest or reclaimed industrial space – both can be enjoyed in Wales. Cycle, walk, or ride on horseback through Wentwood, Wales’ largest ancient woodland. Once the hunting grounds of Chepstow Castle, Wentwood is now a peaceful haven for spotting deer. Learn more about Wales’ mining heritage on the Hafna Miners’ Trail in Gwydir Forest and admire the “noble oaks”.
Click here to learn more about visiting the forests of Wales.
Northern Ireland
Sadly, large swathes of Northern Ireland’s forests fell during January’s Storm Éowyn. The winds, which howled at 90 mph, have destroyed tens of thousands of trees across the region. It has been called a level of unprecedented destruction. Damage assessment and clean up are ongoing at the time of writing. If you plan to visit any of Northern Ireland’s forests, check online to see what areas are safe to visit.
England
You’ve no doubt heard of Sherwood Forest and the Forest of Dean, and for good reason. Both are worth a visit. But don’t ignore other areas – Staffordshire’s stretch of the National Forest with its many hiking trails and leisure activities, Kielder with its giant reservoir, or Ashdown Forest, best known from the Winnie the Pooh stories. There are dozens more, and Forestry England can help you locate one close to you.
