New national forest to transform the Oxford-Cambridge corridor

This marks another major milestone in the government’s manifesto commitment of three new national forests, following the launch of the Western Forest in March, which will stretch from the Cotswolds to the Mendips.  

The Oxford Cambridge corridor was chosen because it is a strategic area for growth and innovation, as well as demonstrating both the need and potential for tree planting at scale. Establishing a forest here presents a real opportunity to embed environmental principles into new developments, creating woodlands on the doorstep for communities, green infrastructure to accommodate new homes, and connecting habitats so that nature can thrive.  

These new forests are modelled on the success of the National Forest that covers 200 square miles of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, showing how new development, nature recovery and wellbeing of communities can all go hand in hand. Since the early 1990s, we have planted almost 10 million trees and increased forest cover from six per cent to 25 per cent, with a long-term goal of reaching 33 per cent. We have created more than 8,000 hectares of new habitat, supported the return of species such as the purple emperor butterfly and the dormouse, accommodated thousands of new homes and created a growing visitor economy that has increased by nearly 30% over the last 20 years. Moreover, work with local communities, has seen tens of thousands of people benefit from arts, and wellbeing programmes, outdoor learning embedded within our schools and woodlands within easy access of where people live and work.  

John Everitt OBE, our chief executive, said: “The National Forest has shown what can be achieved with ambition, partnership, and targeted delivery. In just over 30 years, we have transformed a post-industrial Midlands landscape, using trees as the catalyst that can harness an uplift in growth, nature and wellbeing, instead of them acting in conflict. We are excited to be guiding the new national forest in the Oxford Cambridge corridor, working with Defra, other government departments and wider partners to share what we have learned and transform this landscape through trees.” 

A competition to choose the location of a third new national forest in the Midlands or North of England has also been announced and will open in early 2026. Across all three new national forests, millions of trees will be planted in the coming years, supporting thousands of local jobs and helping to grow the forestry sector, as part of a £1 billion government investment.  

As these new national forests take shape, we invite everyone to get involved. Whether by planting trees, volunteering, or supporting our projects, every contribution helps us create a greener, healthier and more prosperous future.