A major milestone towards creating the UK’s first new national forest in more than three decades is underway as the first trees are planted in the new Pucklechurch Wood, part of the Western Forest, which is working with partners and communities to increase trees and woodlands from the Cotswolds to the Mendips.
Located on South Gloucestershire Council-owned land, the 30-hectare Pucklechurch site – equivalent to around 42 football pitches – lays the foundation for a future woodland which will evolve into a vibrant green space for people and nature for generations to come.
Between the end of November 2025 and March 2026, 22,000 native and climate-resilient trees will be planted by volunteers, with a further 22,000 the following November to March. In 10-15 years, the young trees will be recognisable woodland, with some trees reaching up to 10 metres in height.
Tree species were carefully selected to ensure climate resilience, combining native trees like the English oak, with a small range of non-native species including the sweet chestnut, also known as the European chestnut, that can withstand warmer, drier conditions.
Councillor Louise Harris, South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet member for the climate and nature emergency, said: “Pucklechurch Wood will be the largest new woodland ever planted on South Gloucestershire Council owned land. This will be a flagship project for our work to increase the area’s tree canopy cover, restore nature, and build community resilience for generations to come. The Western Forest offers an ambitious vision and we’re proud to be playing our part in bringing it to life.”
Councillor Gail Boyle, Chair of Pucklechurch Parish Council, said: “We are delighted to be marking National Tree Week with the planting of the first trees in Pucklechurch Wood. This new woodland will deliver lasting benefits for local people – from cleaner air and improved biodiversity to opportunities for enjoying access to nature.
“This is a proud moment for our village and a powerful symbol of how local communities can come together to lead the way in improving our environment. Pucklechurch Wood, as part of the Western Forest, will play a vital role, benefiting local people, wildlife and the planet.”
Pucklechurch Wood is being created thanks to South Gloucestershire Council providing the land, the Government’s Trees for Climate funding through the Forest of Avon, and funding from Pucklechurch Parish Council. The site will be managed by South Gloucestershire Council, supported by Pucklechurch Parish Council, the Forest of Avon and volunteers. Pond and wetland scrape features will be integral to the new woodland, thanks to funding from West of England Combined Authority (WECA) as part of the Common Connections project.
Pucklechurch Wood is part of the UK’s new Western Forest, stretching across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (Bristol, Bath & NE Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset). It aims to restore and connect wildlife and habitats whilst creating new opportunities for communities and the economy.
Laura Norton, Partnerships Manager for the Forest of Avon, said: “The trees have been funded by Forest of Avon through Defra’s Trees for Climate fund. The Forest of Avon distributes this grant to enable the planting and long-term maintenance of both urban and rural trees across the area.
“These new trees support the West of England’s goal to double canopy cover by 2050, boosting local livelihoods and improving access across the region, including Bristol. By connecting landowners and local communities with this crucial Defra fund, we are enabling the creation and management of our future woodlands. It is immensely exciting!”
Safia Gilder-Hodgson, Partnerships Manager for Western Forest, said: “It’s been a true partnership effort to bring the Western Forest to life, and it’s incredibly rewarding that just six months after we were successful in our bid to become England’s new national forest, we have boots on the ground, planting the beginnings of it in Pucklechurch.”
In Western Forest’s first five years, 2,500 hectares of new woodland and other tree habitats will be planted, with 20 million trees in the ground by 2050.
Local residents, community groups and schools are invited to get involved by signing up to volunteer at planting days at Pucklechurch Wood via Eventbrite. Each volunteer session runs from 10am-3pm with all tools and training provided.
