England’s Trees for Climate programme is entering a new phase after planting more than 10 million trees.
Three national organisations have joined forces with the Community Forests network to accelerate woodland creation. Almost 23,000 volunteers, schools and land managers have already participated in the programme. The National Trust, Woodland Trust and Community Forest Trust will work with England’s 15 Community Forests under the Defra-funded initiative – targeting woodland projects that support nature recovery.
Forestry support
Trees for Climate accounted for more than 35% of government-funded tree planting in England since 2020. Its latest phase comes as the government commits £1 billion to tree planting and forestry support during this parliament.
“Trees for Climate has always been about more than simply getting trees in the ground; it’s about creating resilient landscapes that communities can enjoy for generations,” said England’s Community Forests network co-chair James Russell.
During the 2025-26 planting season, the programme planted more than 2.5 million trees and 182,000 metres of hedgerow. Some 2,325ha of land was converted to woodland, while more than 87km of footpaths was created.
“This exciting new partnership – backed by our £1 billion investment in trees and forestry – will benefit people and nature for years to come,” said Defra nature minister Mary Creagh.
Community Forest Trust chief executive Claire Morgan said harnessing local knowledge would boost delivery. “We can accelerate woodland creation where it is needed most and ensure new trees deliver lasting benefits for people and nature.”
Funding and planting under the next phase will begin ahead of this winter’s planting season. Partners are already identifying sites and collaborative projects across England.