The national forest is a part of the government’s plans to meet climate change targets
Work to create a new national forest along the proposed Oxford to Cambridge corridor has taken a step forward. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced on Monday (January 12) that it began its search for official delivery partners for the project.
The government department has opened an expression of interest with interested parties. The parties will need to demonstrate they have the capacity, experience and knowledge to deliver the outcomes for the new national forest.
Nature minister Mary Creagh said: “This is a landmark moment in delivering our manifesto pledge to create three new national forests. This new forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor will bring millions of trees closer to where people live, supporting wildlife and creating green jobs for local people.
“I urge organisations with experience in large-scale woodland creation and community engagement to submit their expressions of interest.” Interested parties need to submit expressions of interest by January 30.
The new national forest will be the second of three national forests pledged in the government’s manifesto. These national forests aim to deliver national renewal for communities, driving economic growth while enhancing nature and bringing trees closer to where people live.
Millions of trees are expected to be planted in the years ahead. This is a part of the commitment to allocate over £1 billion to tree planting and support to the forestry sector.
