Millions of trees will soon be planted across England as the government confirms the creation of a second new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, with a third forest planned for the Midlands or North of England. Communities across the country are set to benefit from expanded access to nature, job opportunities, and support for the UK’s net zero goals.
The announcement comes as part of a wider commitment to invest over £1 billion in tree planting and forestry sector support during this parliament, fulfilling a manifesto pledge to establish three new national forests. The first, the Western Forest stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips, was announced earlier this year, marking the first new national forest in 30 years.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “Our woodlands are vital for regulating our climate, supporting wildlife, and increasing access to nature for us all. We are delivering on our manifesto commitment with three new National Forests in the West Country, a second between Oxford and Cambridge, and a competition for a third next year. Our ambitious tree planting programme will help unlock growth, restore nature, and create green jobs for the future – all part of the Plan for Change.”
The Ox-Cam national forest will be carefully designed to integrate nature recovery into new developments, ensuring green spaces are embedded alongside homes, jobs, and infrastructure. While exact locations are still being finalised in partnership with local authorities and stakeholders, the project promises to bring millions of trees closer to where people live.
Alongside tree planting, the government is exploring a new Woodland Carbon Purchase Fund, which could provide upfront payments to landowners to plant carbon-rich woodlands. Backed by up to £250 million, the fund aims to give growers financial certainty and help accelerate woodland creation, directly contributing to the UK’s climate targets.
Investment in green skills is also part of the plan. Apprenticeships and training programmes linked to forestry will boost rural employment, equipping people with skills for the rapidly growing green economy. Meeting tree planting targets across Great Britain could support over 14,000 jobs, helping communities thrive while restoring nature.
The third new national forest will be selected through a competition launching in early 2026, with a focus on areas in the Midlands or Northern England. This approach ensures that the benefits of new woodlands — from recreation and biodiversity to economic growth — are shared widely across the country.
The announcement comes ahead of the Prime Minister’s attendance at COP30, where the UK will highlight its leadership on climate action, including clean energy investment and ambitious emissions reduction targets. The creation of new national forests underlines the government’s commitment to nature recovery, carbon reduction, and sustainable development.
Further details on the Ox-Cam forest and the upcoming third national forest will be published next year as design and planning work progresses. In the meantime, communities can look forward to greener spaces, thriving wildlife, and new opportunities for green jobs as England’s national forests take root.
