Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council are playing an instrumental role in driving sustainable development, enhancing green infrastructure, and supporting local communities through a series of coordinated efforts. Their work spans various environmental and community initiatives, primarily focusing on tree planting and sustainable land use, which align with broader goals for biodiversity enhancement and climate resilience.
One of the standout collaborative projects is the Great Western Community Forest (GWCF), established in 1994, which spans 39,000 hectares across Swindon and Wiltshire. The forest initiative seeks to create corridors of woodland connecting communities with nature, bolstering local biodiversity and offering nature-based solutions to address climate challenges, such as carbon sequestration and flood mitigation.
Both councils are also driving their own ambitious tree planting targets. In Swindon, the target is to increase tree cover to 30% across the GWCF area, from a previous baseline of just 3%. Over 40,000 trees have been planted between 2020 and 2023, significantly enhancing the region’s carbon capture capacity. Similarly, Wiltshire aims to boost its tree canopy coverage from 14% to 17%, in line with national climate goals. Wiltshire Council has developed the Tree Grant Application and Planting Support (GAPS) team with funding from the Forestry Commission, providing vital support to landowners, community groups, and town councils. The team helps with project planning, funding applications, and the identification of appropriate planting sites, ensuring the right trees are planted in the right places.
Moreover, both councils are working closely with the Forestry Commission and the GWCF to offer grants that cover 100% of tree establishment costs, alongside maintenance funding for up to 15 years. This long-term vision reflects their commitment to enhancing natural capital while supporting local ecosystems, farming, and the overall wellbeing of residents.
By continuing to collaborate on these and other environmental initiatives, Swindon Borough and Wiltshire Councils are making significant strides towards creating greener, more resilient landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife. Their efforts underscore a commitment to sustainable development that seeks to address the environmental challenges of today while preparing the region for a healthier, greener future.
Support for woodland planting in Wiltshire can be found here and Swindon here.