£8.5 Million Scheme To Create England’s Biggest Forest

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Leading woodland conservation charity, The Woodland Trust, has unveiled plans to plant England’s largest continuous native forest. The revolutionary scheme will span a massive 850 acres and is to be constructed near St. Albans, Hertfordshire. Sue Holden, Trust chief executive, said, “A continuous new native forest of this size has never been created in England before. We have been searching for some time for a major site to buy in the South East. Our plans for the new forest at Sandridge are truly historic in scale and offer an unmissable opportunity to plant such a huge number of trees and benefit so many people.”

The site, which would be less than a 20 mile drive from central London’s Marble Arch, would provide a much needed green get-away for many trapped in an ever congested capital, as well as for those in surrounding towns. Holden continues, “We estimate that two million people live within 15 miles of Sandridge alone. Our new wood will provide a large and accessible space for people at a time when there is huge pressure to develop and build on land in the South East.”

Such a plan couldn’t have come at a better time, England is one of the least wooded countries in Europe and has lost half its ancient woodland since the 1930’s, either to development, agriculture or planting with non-native conifers. Just five per cent of the country is now native woodland cover. Nevertheless Holden is confident of what can be achieved in the future, “Woodland establishes very quickly. Within two years a tree will be twice the size of the child that planted it, and within 12 years we see a wonderful young forest taking shape. Native woodland is our equivalent of the rainforest. Woods and trees are not only good for the soul, they are life enhancing and make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing.”

With land becoming ever-more sought after the project is truly an inspiring and revolutionary one. However the plans come at a price - £8.5 million to be exact, which includes site purchase, planting of trees and management costs for its first five years. Holden explains, “This is a major challenge for us, but its success depends on huge financial support from the public, our members and supporters, businesses and other organisations. We never cease to be amazed at the generosity prompted by our fund-raising appeals, however, and I hope that everyone will share our excitement over this, our biggest ever challenge.”

The charity has until 30th September 2008 to purchase the site, if you’d like to donate please go to: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/appeals