Planting of first new national forest in decades starts

The planting of what will become the UK’s first new national forest for more than 30 years has begun.

The 30-hectare Pucklechurch Wood will be part of the UK’s new Western Forest, stretching across Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

More than 22,000 native trees will be planted between now and March, followed by a further 22,000 the following winter, project organisers say.

“The trees are hopefully going to improve the environment for the wildlife and local people, take the carbon out of the air and reduce the chance of flooding,” said Laura Norton, partnerships manager for the Forest of Avon Trust.