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The Green Pledge @ Gloucestershire Archives

Pucklechurch Woodland and the Western Forest

May 12, 2026 · 29 min

Pucklechurch Woodland in South Gloucestershire was previously farmland about 30 hectares/ 42 football pitches in size. 

In the space of four months 18 000 new trees have been planted here, and a further 24 000 will be planted next year.  

This site is the first major new woodland to be planted as part of the Western Forest – the first national forest in the UK for over 30 years. The aim is for 20 million trees to be planted by 2050 fostering collaboration between local communities, businesses, and landowners,  it will address net zero carbon ambitions drive nature recovery.

The Green Pledge Podcast caught up with Safia Gilder-Hodgsen from the Western Forest team, Jette Halling from South Gloucestershire Council Tree Officer and volunteers Daphne Dunning and Tony Riggs. 

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/archives/our-projects/the-green-pledge-project/

https://www.wenp.org.uk/priority-programmes/western-forest

https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/tree-planting-programme/

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