There’s uplifting news from one of England’s most cherished woodlands. The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire is being expanded for the first time in more than two centuries, with plans underway to plant 120,000 trees this winter, creating new mixed woodland that will benefit people, wildlife and the environment.
The project, led by Forestry England, follows the purchase of Hoarthorn’s Farm near Berry Hill, an 88-hectare site that was previously farmland. Work has now begun to transform this open land into thriving forest, with teams aiming to plant thousands of trees each day and have all 120,000 in the ground by the end of March.
Tom Brockington, area manager for Forestry England, said the expansion is “very significant,” marking the first extension of the Forest of Dean since 1817 and creating new habitat for wildlife in one of the UK’s most historic woodlands.
Biodiversity at the center
What makes this effort especially exciting is the variety of tree species being planted. They are carefully chosen to support biodiversity, helping insects, birds and mammals flourish in newly connected green spaces. Forest expansion also provides long-term benefits for climate resilience, as woodlands help absorb carbon from the atmosphere while offering quieter, greener places for people to enjoy.
Local volunteers and community groups have also shown strong support for the initiative. In projects like these, planting not only restores landscapes but brings neighbours together around a shared sense of purpose — protecting nature for future generations.
For many, this expansion is more than just planting trees. It’s about restoring an ancient woodland, enhancing recreational spaces, and giving wildlife new room to roam. With thousands of saplings now going into the ground, the Forest of Dean is set to grow in stature and beauty once again.
Across the UK, tree-planting efforts are gaining momentum, with community woodland schemes and national forest projects underway to connect more people with nature and combat climate challenges. This latest expansion in Gloucestershire is a powerful reminder that environmental restoration can be both meaningful and uplifting.
