Third New National Forest, In Theory
The Government has announced England’s third new national forest. It has no site, partner or trees. It does have £7.5 million and a name. That puts it ahead of most public infrastructure. It has also acquired an empty spreadsheet, so the key structures are in place.
Ministers will spend the money over five years. Officials expect the forest to cover 200 to 600 square miles. They have narrowed the location to the Midlands or North of England. This saves the search party the exhausting job of ruling out Scotland. They can then decide whether rain counts as an external dependency.
The Government opened bids on 26 May. The first stage closes on 7 July. Applicants must show they can bring people closer to nature. They may begin by confirming that both remain available at the proposed site.
“We will first identify stakeholders who can speak for roots,” said Lawrence Prittle, deputy director of strategic leafage. “Trees can join once the engagement work proves that they are key to the project.”
Tender is the new photosynthesis
The scheme completes the Government’s promised trio of new national forests. The phrase suggests an impressive green battalion. In practice, it currently means a large circle on a map and several people saying ‘delivery partner’ without laughing.
Regional leaders have welcomed the investment. One said it could create jobs in surveying, consultation and explaining why a tree needs a five-year lead-in. Another has already cleared a drawer for the feasibility study.
For now, the forest exists as money, a broad direction and the confidence of a man buying decking before checking whether he owns a garden. Officials expect the first bird after they finish the monitoring framework. Its first task will be to demonstrate a firm commitment to the area.
Read the Government announcement, which remains bravely optimistic that the paperwork will photosynthesise.
