Third National Forest Brings Nature Closer to You

National forest development has taken an exciting leap forward today (Tuesday, 26 May) as the government allocates up to £7.5 million over five years to facilitate this initiative. This is a promising step towards realizing the government’s pledge to establish three new national forests in England. The upcoming national forest, which will be situated in either the Midlands or the North of England, is anticipated to span approximately 600 square miles. Its significant scale is expected to greatly contribute to tree-planting goals while harmonizing with the existing landscape and local identities. Organizations eligible in these regions are encouraged to submit proposals to become delivery partners. This third national forest will prioritize enhancing health outcomes for communities. Low-income populations often face challenges in accessing green and blue spaces, which take a toll on their well-being. Research indicates that access to woodlands and green areas delivers substantial health advantages, such as: - Improved mental health and decreased healthcare expenses - Increased physical activity and chronic disease prevention - Cardiovascular health benefits and stress reduction - Enhanced social ties and community involvement - Cognitive development in children and youth Mary Creagh, the Nature Minister, commented: "In our manifesto, we promised three new national forests. Following the Western Forest and the OxCam arc forest, we are now seeking to establish England’s newest forest in the Midlands or the North. Many communities struggle to access green spaces that promote mental and physical health. This national forest aims to address that gap, and I urge all eligible organizations with the vision and capabilities to step forward." The National Forest in the Midlands has proven what can be achieved, having planted 10 million trees, which transformed the landscape by increasing tree canopy and woodland cover from 6% to 26%. Additionally, it supported over 5,000 jobs in the visitor economy. Delivery partners for the third national forest will collaborate with Defra and the National Forest Company to identify and establish the forest. Their work will target economic, environmental, and social benefits. John Everitt, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company, stated: "Launching the competition for the third national forest is a key milestone in our efforts to enhance tree planting. We look forward to receiving strong applications that can meaningfully impact the health and well-being of communities across the Midlands and North of England." The government aims to prioritize locations and strategies that significantly demonstrate how a richer, more accessible natural environment can enhance health and well-being, especially for those in need. This funding goes hand-in-hand with the government’s commitment to historic investments in nature, totaling over £1 billion devoted to tree planting and supporting the forestry sector during this parliament. Such an investment will contribute to the Environment Act goals, particularly the statutory aim of increasing tree canopy and woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050. Furthermore, it will assist in halting the decline of species and safeguarding 30% of land for nature by 2030. New national forests will expedite progress toward woodland creation goals while fostering policy innovations that accelerate tree planting throughout the country. This announcement is a continuation of notable progress already made. Planting has commenced at the Western Forest, marking the first new national forest in over 30 years, which aims to plant over 20 million trees across Bristol, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Somerset by 2050. A recent competition for a delivery partner for the second national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor has also taken place, with further details forthcoming. For further information, visit the [UK Government](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/third-new-national-forest-to-bring-nature-closer-to-communities) or [Tree Benefit](https://www.treebenefits.com) for insights into the advantages of trees in urban environments. Additionally, for related content on community nature access and resources, check out [www.globemigrant.com/nature-access](http://www.globemigrant.com/nature-access) and [www.globemigrant.com/forestry-initiatives](http://www.globemigrant.com/forestry-initiatives).

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