Planting Trees in the UK’s First New National Forest in Over Three Decades
The Western Forest
Some of the Casa team were fortunate enough to spend a sunny day planting trees recently, as part of a concerted effort to create the first new National Forest since the 1990s.
The Western Forest is planned to cover at least 2,500 hectares in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and the West of England – with the trees planted across this expanse by 2030, growing to recognisable woodland within the following 10-15 years. The project is being led by the Forest of Avon Trust, with more than 40 other organisations involved including the Natural History Consortium, the Great Western Community Forest, and various local authorities including South Gloucestershire Council.
Alongside the obvious benefits of reinstating woodland areas, the project will deliver other crucial benefits including:
- Helping halt species decline
- Carbon storage
- Flood reduction
- Cooling urban areas
- Mental and physical health improvements for residents
- Job creation and skill improvement
Pucklechurch Wood
It was South Gloucestershire Council that hosted the Casa volunteers, on their final day of planting in the 2025/26 season. The venue was Pucklechurch Wood, located adjacent the M4 in South Gloucestershire, comprising of 30 hectares – the same size as 42 football pitches. This site has been selected to form part of the Western Forest, and will be the largest woodland ever planted on South Gloucestershire Council land.
Various species of tree were planted and then mulched to create a biodiverse mixed woodland, all of which have been chosen based on climate resilience and preference towards native species where possible. English oak, sweet chestnut, hornbeam, beech, elder, and pine were amongst the saplings being planted by volunteers on the day. All of the consumables that form part of the operation are sustainable and biodegradable, such as wood and plant resin tree shelter tubes and wool felt mulch mats, while the trees are sourced from local nurseries to reduce carbon emissions created by transporting the saplings to site. The volunteer coordinators were very helpful and knowledgeable about the project; we extend our gratitude to them.
Volunteering
Spending time supporting local environmental projects like this brings real, visible value. Tree planting at sites such as Pucklechurch Wood contributes to a much wider ambition, where individual efforts combine to deliver long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits. It’s how we as humans have been built, and it’s important to re-engage with that side of ourselves as often as possible.
Large-scale initiatives like the Western Forest rely on collaboration. Local authorities, organisations, and volunteers each play a role in creating greener spaces. The cumulative impact of these contributions will be felt by communities for decades to come.
For businesses like ours, volunteering provides a practical way to support sustainability commitments while strengthening team cohesion. For individuals, it offers a chance to step outside the day-to-day routine and be part of something with lasting significance.
Although the 2025/26 planting season has now come to an end, opportunities to get involved will return. If you’re interested in making a difference, look out for volunteering days with South Gloucestershire Council when planting resumes in November 2026 and take the chance to be part of a project that is shaping the future of the local landscape.
