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UK Confirms Oxford–Cambridge National Forest in £1 Billion Tree-Planting Drive

Ministers cast the plan as aligning housebuilding with nature recovery to support the net zero pathway.

Overview

  • The government designated a second new national forest in the Oxford–Cambridge corridor as part of its three-forest pledge.
  • The package allocates over £1 billion this parliament for tree planting and wider forestry support, with officials citing millions of new trees.
  • Ministers will explore a Woodland Carbon Purchase Fund offering upfront payments to landowners, with up to £250 million proposed to accelerate planting.
  • A competition scheduled for early 2026 will decide the location of a third national forest in the Midlands or the north of England.
  • The Ox–Cam forest’s exact siting will follow design work and partner consultation, with green space planned alongside new homes, jobs and infrastructure.