New forest with 18k trees will boost 'connection'

Thousands of trees are being planted to create a new forest to boost a town's "geen lungs".

Almost 18,000 trees have been planted by volunteers in Swindon since November with the aim of improving wellbeing and providing opportunities for children and adults to learn about ecology and environmental stewardship.

Swindon Borough Council allocated government funds to the project, with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and parish councils working with residents and schools to plant the trees.

Neil Pullen, conservation lead at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: "Through the tireless energy of our volunteers, we're showing that tree planting is a catalyst for community connection."

Councillor Emma Bushell, deputy leader of the borough council, said: "This year's planting season has seen another outstanding community effort to enhance our borough's tree cover."

"Tree planting on this scale brings real, long-lasting benefits for our environment, our health, and our overall wellbeing. I'm grateful to every volunteer who has given their time to help expand Swindon's green lungs," she added.

Areas benefiting from the new planting include Moredon, Pinehurst, Penhill, Wroughton, Liddington, Covingham Park and Chiseldon.

Trees have also been planted at Lydiard Park to create a new wildlife corridor.

The planting is part of a long-running project administered by the council called Trees for Climate, with 70,000 trees planted in the borough since 2020.

Pullen said the new green spaces are a shared achievement that strengthen biodiversity and improve air quality.

"Together, we are securing a healthier, more sustainable future for every neighbourhood in our borough," he said.

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