Sustainable success: celebrating our landmark achievement of 25% Forest cover

Over the last 30 years, thanks to the commitment of many dedicated people, we have transformed these 200 square miles, from a once scarred post-industrial landscape to a vibrant Forest of over 9.5 million trees, enhancing the landscape, creating wildlife habitats and spaces for wellbeing and recreation.

With Forest cover once as low as 6% in the early 1990s, this new figure has been identified through improved analysis using the latest technology to identify previously uncounted trees and woodlands across the area, alongside concerted tree planting efforts and additional funding and support as part of the Nature for Climate Fund and England Tree Planting Programme.  

This achievement has only been possible thanks to the commitment and collective effort of landowners, farmers, businesses, and local communities, all working together and supporting us towards a common vision for the Forest.  

While trees are at the core of the National Forest, our vision extends beyond regeneration. This dramatic increase in forest cover has seen a positive impact on the environment, communities and the economy.  

As the Forest flourishes, wildlife and biodiversity is making a remarkable recovery, bucking the trend of species declines nationally; woodland species such as sparrowhawk, brown long-eared bat and speckled wood butterfly are seeing particular increases, alongside the reintroduction of rare species such as dormice as habitats are reconnected.  

This transformation is also enhancing quality of life for communities. Around 70 percent of National Forest residents now live within 15 minutes’ walk of a local woodland, creating convenient access to nature on their doorstep, bolstering connection with the natural environment and opportunities to enjoy recreational activities to improve health and wellbeing.  

Schools are also benefiting, with outdoor learning in woodland settings now becoming an integral part of supporting education activities.  

Additionally, the Forest is helping to drive growth in green and low carbon enterprise. Farming businesses have diversified, such as Cattows Farm, an early adopter of tree planting in the Forest, where woodland planting has helped shift from intensive farming to leisure and tourism activity, or the Deer Park where planting has prompted the transformation from a dairy business to livestock, farm shop and café.  

These enterprises not only contribute to the local economy but also enhance the Forest’s appeal as a destination for sustainable tourism, now supporting over 5,300 jobs and attracting more than 8.2 million visitors each year.  

This milestone shows how trees can act as the catalyst for transformation, and that it really is possible for housing, industry, and biodiversity to grow side by side. At a time when the country is looking for positive ideas, the Forest provides a successful model that can be adopted elsewhere. 

Our next major milestone is to reach 10 million trees, with more tree planting aimed at increasing tree cover in urban areas and through agroforestry to continue to support this connected environment. Continued collaboration with businesses, landowners, and local communities remains vital in reaching our ultimate goal of around a third of the area as forest cover and a landscape that can be enjoyed by everyone. 

Our success story illustrates the transformative power of trees, not just in shaping landscapes but in revitalising communities and the economy for a positive future. 

If you’re feeling inspired by our latest achievement and want to get involved and help to grow the Forest as we work towards our next milestone, then find out how you can support us.

If you'd like to know more about how we calculated and reached our new Forest cover figure, you can read our Forest cover assessment here.