CLA responds to creation of new Western Forest in the South West

The Country Land and Business Association has responded to the announcement that a new national forest will be created across a swathe of the west of England - from the Cotswolds to the Mendips.

With nearly three-quarters of the planned Western Forest's forest’s area (73%) being farmland, part of the project will look to integrate trees into the farmed landscape through agroforestry and farm woodlands, which can regenerate soil and protect against drought and flood while producing food.

Ann Maidment, South West Regional Director of the Country Land and Business Association, which represents landowners across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, commented: "We look forward to learning more about the new Western Forest, particularly what it will mean for farmers and other landowners, and how financial incentives will be provided at a time when the Government has decided to close the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

"We’ve seen how the tailored, hands-on support of Community Forests has helped more people incorporate trees onto their land in different parts of the country. We hope this new national forest will expand opportunities for climate support, nature recovery and timber alongside a thriving food production sector."

National Forest chief executive John Everitt said the Western Forest was selected because of its ability to demonstrate a similar scale of ambition to that of the National Forest in the Midlands, with trees and woods supporting growth and farming while enhancing nature’s recovery and access to green space.”