A new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor has moved
a step closer today (Monday 12 January) with the
announcement that the search for official delivery partners has
begun.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has opened
an Expression of Interest process with interested parties needing
to demonstrate they have the capacity, experience, and knowledge
to deliver the outcomes required for a new national forest in the
Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor – along with expertise in
large-scale woodland creation, community engagement, and
cross-sector partnerships.
The new national forest in the
Oxford-Cambridge Corridor will be the second of three
new national forests pledged in the government's
manifesto, following the Western Forest in the West of England.
These new national forests will help deliver national renewal for
communities, driving economic growth while enhancing nature and
bringing trees closer to where people live.
Millions of trees are expected to be planted in the years ahead
as part of a wider commitment to allocate over £1 billion this
parliament to tree planting and support to the forestry sector.
Nature Minister said:
“This is a landmark moment in delivering our manifesto pledge to
create three new national forests. This new forest in the
Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor will bring millions of trees
closer to where people live, supporting wildlife and creating
green jobs for local people.
“I urge organisations with experience in large-scale woodland
creation and community engagement to submit their Expressions of
Interest.”
Interested parties are invited to submit Expressions of Interest
in becoming a key delivery partner for this work in the
region between 12 January and 30 January 2026.
Satisfying the eligibility criteria will help Defra and strategic
delivery partners the National Forest Company understand who is
suitable and how the work should be delivered.
Further
information and application details are available via this
link.
More information about a competition for the third national
forest in the Midlands or North of England will follow later this
year.
