Enviro News Asia, London — The UK government has announced the creation of two new national forests backed by a £1 billion investment to accelerate tree planting, nature restoration, and green job creation across England.
The initiative, part of the government’s broader environmental agenda, will establish a second national forest in the Oxford–Cambridge (Ox-Cam) corridor, while a competition for a third forest in the Midlands or North of England will be launched in early 2026. The investment supports the government’s pledge to create three new national forests, following the Western Forest announced earlier this year.
According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the forests will help drive economic growth, restore ecosystems, and contribute to the UK’s net-zero goals. The large-scale afforestation program is projected to create over 14,000 green jobs, strengthen local economies, and enhance public access to natural spaces.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds highlighted the forests’ vital role in addressing climate challenges:
“Our ambitious tree planting programme will unlock growth, restore nature, and create green jobs for the future — all part of the Plan for Change.”
The Ox-Cam forest will be designed collaboratively with local partners to integrate green spaces alongside housing and infrastructure. In addition, the government is exploring a Woodland Carbon Purchase Fund, offering upfront payments of up to £250 million to landowners to plant carbon-rich woodlands. This scheme aims to accelerate reforestation efforts and provide financial certainty for growers.
The announcement precedes the Prime Minister’s participation at COP30, where the UK will reaffirm its global climate leadership and promote investment in clean energy.
Further details on the forests’ development will be included in the upcoming Environmental Improvement Plan, outlining the next phase of the UK’s nature recovery efforts. (*)
