Celebrating 10 million trees planted in the National Forest

This achievement marks more than three decades of transformation, as together we have turned one of the least wooded parts of England into a thriving Forest for nature, people and enterprise. 

Since the early 1990s, woodland cover across our 200-square-mile area has grown from just 6% to more than 25%, transforming a once scarred post-industrial landscape of coal mines and clay pits into a productive, accessible and inspiring forest landscape. 

To celebrate this landmark moment, presenters John Craven and Charlotte Smith joined us in the Forest to plant a commemorative oak during a special visit for BBC Countryfile, which is available to catch up on BBC iPlayer. 

Reaching 10 million trees is about far more than planting. It represents the long-term environmental, social and economic transformation that trees have helped make possible across the Forest. 

For nature, habitats have expanded and reconnected, helping wildlife flourish. Woodland bird populations have increased by 48% against a national decline of 7%, while species once lost from the area have returned, including the purple emperor butterfly and dormice. Our monitoring continues to show increasing diversity among birds, bats, amphibians and insects across the Forest. 

For communities, access to nature has been transformed. Today, 76% of households in the National Forest have access to greenspace within a 15-minute walk, compared to 71% nationally. More than 320 kilometres of walking routes now connect people to the landscape, over 70 volunteer groups help care for woodlands, and more than 85% of schools regularly take part in outdoor learning. 

For the economy, the Forest has become a major driver of green growth. We now welcome more than 8.7 million visitors each year, support thousands of jobs, and our trees and woodlands have captured an estimated 730,000 tonnes of CO₂e since the early 1990s. 

We’ve also been inspired by messages of support from across the country as we marked this milestone, including a special tribute from Dame Judi Dench: 

“The transformation of this part of the Midlands from some of the least wooded and most industrial parts of the country into the National Forest has always struck me as a story of remarkable healing. I have always felt a deep connection to trees; they are silent companions, guardians of our history, and a gift to future generations. 

With ten million now rooted across this landscape, the National Forest has become a living archive of hope, community, and all the stories still to come. At a time when we all feel the weight of our responsibility to the planet, the Forest shows what can be achieved when people come together with care, vision and patience. 

The planting of ten million trees is not simply a milestone; it is a profound promise to the future. I am proud to support this extraordinary work and hope it inspires many more to recognise the power of trees to transform our world for people and wildlife alike.” 

Alongside this, we’ve also received celebratory video messages from Steve Backshall, Alan Titchmarsh, and Ben Fogle, which we’re sharing across our social media channels as part of our celebrations. 

Our Chief Executive, John Everitt OBE, says: 

“Reaching ten million trees shows what long-term commitment can achieve. In a single generation, we have transformed this area not only in how it looks, but in how it works, creating lasting transformation of landscapes, lives and livelihoods. 

As a charity, our role has been to bring people together to make that happen, and it is incredibly inspiring to know that everyone involved can take credit for what has been achieved here. It demonstrates that forest creation can drive real change when it is rooted in partnership, ambition and collective action. 

Our work is now helping to shape new national forests in England, sharing the lessons of the past 30 years to support the next generation of transformation.” 

This milestone belongs to everyone who has helped grow the Forest – from landowners, farmers and businesses to schools, volunteers, communities, supporters and partners. Reaching 10 million trees has only been possible because of the shared commitment of so many people working towards one bold vision. 

And while this is a moment to celebrate, it is not the end of the story. 

We continue to work towards our longer-term ambition of 33% forest cover, while supporting projects that restore nature, strengthen communities and drive sustainable enterprise. Major developments, including the reimagining of Conkers as a flagship visitor destination, will help shape the next chapter of the Forest’s story. 

Our experience is also helping to inspire forest creation beyond our boundary, as we work with government and partners to support the development of new national forests across England. 

Planting our 10 millionth tree is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared ambition for the future. 

And together, we’re only just getting started. 

With thanks to our supporters 

This milestone has only been possible thanks to the incredible support of everyone who shares our vision for the Forest – from partners and landowners to volunteers, communities and donors. 

If you’ve been inspired by what has been achieved so far, you can help us take the next steps. Every donation helps us plant more trees, restore more habitats and continue building a Forest where nature, people and enterprise can thrive together. 

Find out how you can support the National Forest and help us grow the next chapter of our story.