Woodland creation in The National Forest in Leicestershire, UK

Across Ratby and Chittermans, 2,500 native trees will be planted, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their wood, roots and the soil beneath them. 

At Chittermans, 2,200 trees are being planted on former pasture, where the new woodland will link two existing ancient woodland sites. Joining up woodland in this way helps habitats stay connected and resilient to climate pressures, and allows wildlife to move through the landscape as conditions change. Woodland cover also helps slow rainfall run-off, reduces flood risk, and provides shade and shelter during extreme heat and weather.

This project plants seven native UK tree species: pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata), hazel (Corylus avellana), silver birch (Betula pendula), wild cherry (Prunus avium) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).

Oak will help support hundreds of insect species that in turn feed birds and bats. Rowan, hazel and wild cherry provide berries, nuts and fruit for birds and small mammals, while blossom from cherry, lime and hazel catkins gives pollinators an important early food source. Silver birch and hornbeam add structural variety, offering nesting and shelter for a range of species.

The species will flower, fruit and leaf at different times of year, the mix provides food and habitat across the seasons and builds a resilient, biodiverse woodland over time.

Local communities will be invited to plant the trees, whereby they will increase their connection to nature. Likewise, increased tree cover will also deliver benefits to the communities in the way of enhancing publicly accessible routes, lowering local temperatures, providing shade, improving air quality, and beautifying the local landscape.