This new woodland will be 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. 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.
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. Funding is provided by the Government’s Trees for Climate funding through the Forest of Avon, as well as 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. These will help further boost the biodiversity value of the woodland.
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.