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We're pleased to announce that we’ve taken another big step towards one of the most exciting milestones in our history. During the 2024–25 season, we planted more than 150,000 trees, bringing the total since the National Forest began to over 9.85 million.
08 Aug 2025
With our ten millionth tree now firmly in sight, we’re celebrating over three decades of transformation - turning a post-industrial landscape into a thriving Forest where nature, people and enterprise grow together.
Since we began, woodland cover across our 200-square-mile area has increased from just 6% to over 25%. This transformation has boosted our region in so many ways - the visitor economy has grown by nearly 30% over the past eight years, and our arts and recreation sector has risen by 14%. We now welcome more than 8.2 million visitors every year, proving that the Forest is a place people come to enjoy, explore and connect.
From November to March, our team, partners and volunteers worked across the Forest to plant 89,689 trees on National Forest estate, deliver 53,509 through funded partnerships with landowners, and add an estimated 6,000 more through planning agreements. Over a third of these trees were planted in collaboration with landowners and partners, a reminder that expanding woodland cover is something we achieve together. Much of this work was supported by Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund, which is helping to increase tree cover across England, restore habitats, improve air and water quality, and help biodiversity thrive.
This year, our collaboration with Small World Consulting revealed just how much our trees are contributing to climate action. Since the early 1990s, trees and woodlands in the National Forest have captured 730,000 tonnes of CO₂e - the same as taking around 430,000 petrol cars off the road for a year.
As our Research and Evidence Manager, Dr Heather Gilbert, says: “The trees we’ve planted aren’t just improving the landscape and supporting wildlife - they’re locking away carbon year on year, helping us adapt to and tackle the effects of climate change.”
Our approach has always been to plant a diverse mix of native broadleaf species, creating woodlands that are resilient, rich in wildlife and adaptable to a changing climate. Tree planting also benefits our communities - from improving wellbeing and creating welcoming green spaces, to helping farmers integrate trees alongside crops or use them to diversify less productive land. We continue to offer new grants to support sustainable land use and agroforestry.
As our Chief Executive, John Everitt OBE, says: “Every tree planted last season is a contribution to a greener, healthier future. This is not just about growing trees - it’s about growing resilience, restoring nature and supporting people and places to thrive. With fewer than 150,000 trees to go, we’re calling on individuals, landowners and supporters to help us reach our ten millionth tree. Whether through planting, volunteering or funding, everyone can play a part in writing the next chapter of our story.”
Over the past 30 years, we’ve grown from a bold vision into one of the UK’s leading examples of large-scale environmental recovery. And as we get ready to plant our ten millionth tree, we know this is only the beginning. Together, we can keep building a Forest that benefits wildlife, supports our economy, and inspires future generations.
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.
