Huge funding boost for trees in Plymouth and beyond

Up to one million trees could be planted across Plymouth and surrounding areas in the next 20 years thanks to almost £30 million in Government funding.

The money, funded by DEFRA and England’s Community Forests network’s flagship Trees for Climate programme, was awarded to the Council as lead partner and accountable body for the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest partnership and will allow for the delivery of an ambitious programme of tree planting and woodland creation and establishment.

The investment will also provide funding for Plymouth's own ambitions to increase street tree planting, enhance green spaces and improve access to nature across the city, helping deliver the priorities set out in the Plymouth Plan for Nature and People.

Since its launch in 2021, the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest has gone from strength to strength and was this year crowned England’s Community Forest of the Year 2026.

Over 500,000 trees have already been planted across more than 190 sites using initial £14.2 million of external funding, with more than 5,000 trees planted in Plymouth alone during the most recent planting season.

Earlier this year, the partnership adopted its new 25-year Forest Plan, which aims to significantly increase tree cover across Plymouth and South West Devon, create 3,000 hectares of new woodland and bring existing woodlands into sustainable management by 2050.

The Community Forest stretches from the South Devon coast, across Plymouth and into the rolling landscapes of Dartmoor National Park.

Unlike a traditional forest confined to one location, a Community Forest is a network of trees and woodlands spread across the region. From street trees in Plymouth and parkland planting to school-based Miyawaki mini forests, community orchards, agroforestry and large-scale woodland creation on farms, every project contributes to a connected landscape that benefits people, wildlife and the climate.

Communities are at the heart of this work with thousands of people taking part in planting days, woodland care, training, events and local greenspace projects each year. Charities, landowners, farmers and community groups, have played a key role alongside partners, local authorities, environmental organisations, schools and volunteers in delivering tree planting projects across both urban and rural landscapes.

The community forest also aims to boost local employment by supporting 1,000 woodland and forestry jobs by 2050. This includes training tree growers, woodland managers, timber workers, rangers and green skills apprentices.

The community forest is a partnership between Plymouth City Council, National Trust, Woodland Trust, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon County Council, South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council.

Working with communities, farmers, landowners, schools and delivery partners, the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest will continue expanding tree cover across the region, creating a legacy for future generations.