More good news for UK forestry and woodland coverage came recently when an 88-hectare expansion was announced – the first extension to the Forest of Dean in over 200 years.  

With short-term aims of creating safe habitats for local wildlife and increasing local biodiversity – and a long-term goal of creating a valuable source of sustainable timber – the new extension follows the announcement of a new 2500+ hectare forest. 

Linking ancient and existing woodland 

Plans that were shared with the consultation detail how the proposed new woodland will encompass a rich variety of wildlife habitats including grassland, heathland, orchards, and woodland, as well as various fauna and important animal and insect populations. 

The proposed site is currently unused – being former farmland – and is composed of arable land near Edge End, Gloucestershire. The full map can be found on Forestry England’s website. 

Furthering sustainability efforts 

This extension acts as a supplementary, yet equally important, piece of woodland creation, and utilised currently unused land to benefit the nation and help the UK achieve its tree-planting goals. 

With the UK being one of the least woodland-covered nations across Europe, sitting at 13.5% to Europe’s 46% average, efforts to expand and extend our woodland coverage are very welcome. 

In time and with sustainable woodland management, this extension will benefit the local economy as well as local communities. Wildlife will thrive and local jobs will be created across a range of forestry-related sectors – including firewood supplies.