A New Vision for England's Future: Forest Towns and National Forests
The government is set to embark on an ambitious project, transforming the landscape between Oxford and Cambridge with a new set of forest towns. These towns will be strategically located in the heart of a newly established national forest, offering a unique blend of urban development and natural beauty. This initiative aims to address the need for housing while also prioritizing environmental conservation.
The announcement comes amidst criticism from environmental groups regarding the deregulation in the upcoming planning bill. In response, ministers are showcasing their commitment to sustainable development. Mary Creagh, the nature minister, explains the vision behind this project: 'We're building on the legacy of the post-war garden cities, but with a focus on forest cities. This approach brings nature closer to people, creates green jobs, and contributes to our efforts in tackling climate change.'
The 'Ox-Cam corridor' is a key focus of this project, with the government investing in infrastructure to connect Oxford and Cambridge. Chancellor Rachel Reeves envisions this corridor as 'Europe's Silicon Valley', aiming to boost the UK's economic growth. The government predicts a significant economic impact, estimating an additional £78 billion by 2035. To support this vision, new towns and rail links will be constructed, ensuring seamless connectivity.
Simultaneously, the creation of a new national forest will provide green spaces for residents and workers in the area. This forest will complement the urban development, offering high-quality nature reserves and recreational areas. Creagh emphasizes the dual benefits: 'We're demonstrating that the government and developers can work together to build sustainable communities, providing beautiful housing and environments that people desire.'
The homes in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor will be strategically positioned within a 10-minute walk from the forest, fostering a harmonious relationship between urban and natural environments. Creagh adds, 'Our goal is to create places where families can thrive, and nature can flourish.'
In addition to this project, the government is committed to expanding forest coverage in the north of England. A competition will be launched early next year to determine the location of the new national forest, with a focus on allocating over £1 billion for tree planting and forestry support during this parliamentary term. The Western Forest, announced in March, is the first new national forest in three decades, stretching from the Cotswolds to the Mendips.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) highlights the economic benefits of tree planting, estimating the creation and support of over 14,000 jobs. Defra also plans to explore a woodland carbon purchase fund, incentivizing landowners to plant carbon-rich woodlands. This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to meeting the legally binding nature targets set by the 2021 Environment Act.
The environment secretary, Emma Reynolds, emphasizes the importance of these efforts: 'Our woodlands play a crucial role in regulating the climate, supporting wildlife, and providing nature access to all. We are delivering on our manifesto promise with three new national forests, and we're committed to making a positive environmental impact.'
As the project progresses, further details on biodiversity measures will be revealed in the rewritten environmental improvement plan, expected to be published soon.
