Western Forest - get help planning, funding and planting trees on your land

Western Forest - get help planning, funding and planting trees on your land

Western Forest is a pioneering programme helping landholders to plant trees for the benefit of your land and business, as well as helping nature to recover across our region.

We are so excited to be a Woodland Creation Partner for the Western Forest, aiming to creating the first new national forest in 30 years.

The Western Forest aims to create and connect woodland across Avon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. We're looking for landholders interested in planting trees in a way that works for nature, people and the rural economy. 

Expressions of interest are now open for landholders looking to plant a more diverse range of trees or create woodland on their land, who can be supported by the Western Forest project.

We want to hear from landholders whose land falls within the Western Forest priority areas (see map below). If you are a landholder outside of the priority area with more than 20 hectares, your proposal may also be considered for support. 

Western Forest Final Area Map (c) Western Forest
Young trees (c) Ross Hoddinott 2020 Vision

We are looking for projects that are...

  • Woodland creation projects of at least 0.5 hectares
  • Trees outside woodland projects, including agroforestry, hedgerows and in-field tree planting, covering at least 2 hectares of gross area

What you'll be getting...

  • A farm walk with our Farm and Tree Advisor to discuss opportunities for integrating trees on your land
  • Tailored planting design and agroforestry options
  • Advice on grants, funding and the benefits trees can bring to your business
  • Support with the completion of grant applications and regulatory paperwork
  • Support through planting to help ensure successful establishment

Think this might be for you?

If you're considering tree planting on your land and would like to explore what's available, we'd love to hear from you. Registering an expression of interest is a chance to explore what might be possible on your land, with no commitment to take a project forward.

Please get in touch with the Trust's Farm and Tree Advisor, Sonia Parsons at Sonia.Parsons@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, to discuss your ideas and find out whether your land is eligible.