Two new national forests have taken a step closer towards
becoming a reality with the next stages being set out by
government.
A competition for a delivery partner for a new national forest in
the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor will open today (Wednesday
25 March). In addition, potential delivery partners for a new
national forest in the Midlands or North of England are
being invited to register their interest.
This announcement marks a significant milestone in delivering the
government's manifesto commitment to create three new national
forests in England. Planting has already begun at
the Western Forest,
the first new national forest in 30 years, which will see
more than 20 million trees planted across Bristol, Wiltshire,
Gloucestershire and Somerset by 2050.
The second new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth
Corridor will focus on delivering nature recovery alongside
sustainable urban growth. There has already been strong
interest from potential partners, and the
competition is now open for eligible organisations to apply to
help deliver this landmark forest.
The third new national forest will be designed to address health
inequalities in the North of England or Midlands through the
creation of attractive, accessible natural spaces for all. The
government has invited eligible organisations across the Midlands
and North of England to submit Expressions of Interest, with a
deadline for both this and the second new national forest
competition in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor of Wednesday
20 May.
These new national forests will see millions of trees planted
across England, creating thousands of green jobs
while connecting people with nature and supporting
wellbeing.
Nature Minister said:
“In our manifesto we promised three new national forests, and
that's what we're delivering. Our second new national forest in
the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor shows that sustainable
growth and a thriving natural environment go hand in hand.
“Our third new national forest will mean creating more new green
jobs and planting millions of trees, and I encourage every
eligible organisation across the Midlands and North of
England with the vision and expertise to be part of this to
come forward.”
The new national forests form part of the government's wider
commitment to tree planting and support for the forestry
sector, with £1 billion committed towards tree planting and
the forestry sector this parliament.
This investment is critical to help England's tree canopy
cover reach 16.5% by 2050, whilst driving economic growth and
bringing nature closer to where people live.
The first National Forest in the Midlands has seen nearly 10
million trees transform the landscape, with huge benefits
for wildlife and communities, including an increase in tree
canopy cover from 6% to over 26% and 5,000 new jobs.
National Forest Chief Executive John Everitt
said:
“We are excited to see how these new national forests can
demonstrate real transformation, promoting nature's recovery as
part of new development in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor,
and tackling health inequalities in the Midlands or North of
England.
“With the right partners these new forests can drive green growth
and have a lasting impact on the landscape, communities and
businesses”.
Additional information:
Further
information and application details for the second national new
forest are available via this link.
Further
information and application details for the third national new
forest are available via this link.
