Following three decades of environmental transformation, the National Forest has announced a major milestone that showcases the power of collective efforts in green growth.
The pioneering environmental initiative in the heart of the UK has reached 25% forest cover across its 200 square miles of the Midlands.
The industrialised area was one of the least wooded parts of the country; in the early 1990s forest cover was as low as 6%.
Its transformation to a vibrant forest landscape in just over 30 years stands as a testament to collective environmental action.
This achievement has only been possible thanks to the commitment and collective effort of landowners, farmers, businesses and local communities, all working together towards a common vision for the National Forest.
More than 9.5 million trees have been planted, restoring a landscape scarred by centuries of coal mining and clay extraction across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.
‘This milestone of 25% forest cover is testament to all our partners who have helped create the National Forest for more than 30 years – the early pioneers as well as a new generation of farmers and landowners.
‘It is a chance to celebrate success and demonstrate how this approach can be used to encourage more forest projects across the country in the drive to adapt to a changing climate and reach net zero.
‘The National Forest is also part of a wider success story for all tree planting in England over the past year, the last planting season saw tree planting rates increase by 52 percent from the previous year with 5,529 hectares of new woodland planted.
‘This marks significant progress towards meeting the Environment Act target of achieving 16.5% tree and woodland cover in England by 2050.’
JOHN EVERITT OBE
National Forest chief executive
With cross-party support from government since its inception, the National Forest’s milestone of 25% forest cover has been boosted by increased tree planting over the last four years as part of Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund and the England Tree Planting Programme.
This has been combined with improved analysis using the latest technology to identify previously uncounted trees and woodland across the area.
While trees are at the core of the National Forest, its vision extends beyond regeneration. This dramatic increase in forest cover has seen a positive impact on key national priorities of nature, wellbeing and low-carbon growth.
As the Forest flourishes, wildlife and biodiversity are making a remarkable recovery, bucking the trend of species declines nationally.
Woodland species such as sparrowhawk, brown long-eared bat and speckled wood butterfly are seeing particular increases, alongside the reintroduction of rare species such as dormice as habitats are reconnected.
This transformation is also enhancing quality of life for communities. Around 70% of National Forest residents now live within 15 minutes’ walk of a local woodland, creating convenient access to nature on their doorstep, bolstering connection with the natural environment and opportunities to enjoy recreational activities to improve health and wellbeing.
Schools are also benefiting, with outdoor learning in woodland settings now becoming an integral part of supporting education activities.
The forest is helping to drive growth in green and low-carbon enterprise. Farming businesses have diversified; woodland planting has helped Cattows Farm, an early adopter of tree planting in the Forest, to shift from intensive farming to leisure and tourism activity.
At the Deer Park planting has prompted the transformation from a dairy business to livestock, farm shop and café.
These enterprises not only contribute to the local economy but also enhance the forest’s appeal as a destination for sustainable tourism, now supporting over 5,300 jobs and attracting more than 8.2 million visitors each year.
This substantial influx of tourists underscores the forest’s role in regional economic development, but with its diverse mosaic of landscapes and land uses, towns and villages coexisting with industry and agriculture, and a culture of collaboration among landowners, businesses and communities, the forest is paving the way for a more sustainable future.
‘This milestone demonstrates how trees can act as the catalyst for transformation, and that it really is possible for housing, industry and biodiversity to grow side by side.
‘At a time when the country is looking for positive ideas, the National Forest provides a successful model that can be adopted elsewhere.’
JOHN EVERITT OBE
National Forest chief executive
The next big milestone for the National Forest is to reach 10 million trees, with more tree planting aimed at increasing tree cover in urban areas and through agroforestry to continue to support this connected environment.
Continued collaboration with businesses, landowners and local communities remains paramount in progressing towards its ultimate goal of around a third of the area as forest cover and a landscape that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Its success story illustrates the transformative power of trees, not just in shaping landscapes but in revitalising communities and the economy for a positive future.
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