Enviro News Asia, Midlands — The UK government has launched a competition to appoint a delivery partner for a new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, marking a significant step in its commitment to expand forest coverage and promote sustainable development.
The announcement, made on 25 March 2026, also invites expressions of interest from potential partners for a third national forest to be established in the Midlands or the North of England.
The initiative forms part of the government’s pledge to create three new national forests. The first, known as the Western Forest, is already underway and aims to plant more than 20 million trees across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset by 2050.
The second forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor will integrate nature restoration with urban expansion, supporting biodiversity while accommodating economic growth. The competition for eligible organizations to lead its delivery is now officially open, with submissions due by 20 May 2026.
Meanwhile, the third planned forest will focus on addressing health inequalities by creating accessible green spaces in underserved regions of the Midlands or northern England. The government is encouraging organizations with relevant expertise to participate in shaping the project.
UK Nature Minister Mary Creagh emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s broader environmental and economic priorities.
She stated that the creation of new national forests would not only support ecological recovery but also generate employment opportunities and enhance public wellbeing.
The programme is supported by a £1 billion investment aimed at expanding England’s tree canopy cover to 16.5% by 2050. It is expected to contribute to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and regional economic development.
According to John Everitt, the new forests have the potential to transform landscapes and communities, demonstrating how environmental restoration can be aligned with sustainable growth.
The initiative builds on the success of the original National Forest in the Midlands, which has seen nearly 10 million trees planted, significantly increasing tree cover and creating thousands of jobs. (*)
