Tree planting season 2025 to 2026

We only plant native British species and endeavour to reflect what might be locally successful or important.

The following species have been planted in our woodland schemes:

• black poplar
• blackthorn
• crab apple
• eared/grey willow
• field maple
• hawthorn
• hazel
• heritage fruit trees
• hornbeam
• oak
• rowan
• silver birch
• small-leaved lime
• spindle
• wayfaring tree
• whitebeam
• wild cherry
• wild service tree
• yew

Operationally, all our woodlands are established and managed by silviculture professionals, employing teams of contactors to plant and carry out larger works such as spot spraying and mowing open areas.

To protect the trees as they develop, some sites – particularly larger ones – are best served by deer fencing; however for other, smaller sites we use tree shelters. These are made of recycled plastic, are more cost-effective, and are widely recognised to be more durable than most of the biodegradable alternatives currently available.

Many of the biodegradable products on the market have a life expectancy of only 3 to 5 years, whereas we need tree shelters that are study enough to survive at least 5 years, with anticipated removal by year 7.

We will also use a ‘take back’ scheme for the plastic shelters once their purpose has been served. Protecting our young trees from browsing herbivores is very important. Wild deer, especially native species, are a significant and valued part of our natural heritage. Due to several factors (including changes in land use and lack of natural predators) deer density has dramatically increased and poses a significant risk to our woodlands, other animals that rely on this environment, and deer themselves.

Therefore it is very important that we do all we can to protect our new woodlands and keep any pedestrian access gates closed at all times.

If you are aware of any issues on site, for example deer have accessed a fenced site, a tree has fallen on a fenceline or a gate is not functioning correctly, email [email protected]

We have created 8 new woodlands across the county, largely funded through Forestry Commission’s English Woodland Creation Offer.

These woods are then managed by professional contractors to ensure they meet standards required under the woodland carbon code – the quality assurance standard for woodland creation projects in the UK, and a guarantee that they will generate independently verified carbon units for use to offset the council’s emissions.

These woods are then managed by professional contractors to ensure they meet standards required under the woodland carbon code – the quality assurance standard for woodland creation projects in the UK, and a guarantee that they will generate independently verified carbon units for use to offset the council’s emissions.

Billet Field Wood, on the edge of Black Park Country Park, was the first wood we created in Feb/March 2022. 3,450 trees and shrubs were planted in a space the size of 3 football fields. Species include pedunculate oak, wild cherry, hawthorn and silver birch, and volunteers helped to plant the last 375 trees.

Now 4 years in, the trees are starting to look more like a woodland, and in Summer 2025 this site was officially validated under the Woodland Carbon Code

In Winter 2023 to 2024 we created woodland at Bury Farm, just south of Amersham. This 7 hectare site now supports 14,300 trees and shrubs, with species selected that are appropriate to the chalky soils and typical of the adjacent trees at Rogers Wood. This includes oak, rowan, hornbeam, crab apple, beech along with shrubbier species including hazel, dogwood and spindle.

Award-winning local illustrator, Elly Bazigos, was commissioned to create an illustrated map for this woodland, indicating local footpaths and access points.

Another site planted in Winter 2023 to 24, this 7.2 hectare site at Grange Farm, near Hazlemere, supports 14,700 trees and shrubs including beech, oak, wild cherry, small-leaved lime and wild service tree. These choices will increase the chance of the trees surviving and create climate resilience for the existing ancient woodlands around the sites. Grange Farm Wood is due to be opened to the public by summer 2026.

In Winter 2024 to 2025 we established another 5 woodlands that, collectively, are forecast to sequester 2,498 tonnes of carbon over 100 years. To put this in context, this is roughly equivalent of the annual emissions of 543 cars or the annual energy use of 384 homes.

At 6.5 hectares, the creation of Lower Munt’s Wood is one of our larger tree planting sites. The wood has been designed to incorporate grassland glades to support diverse habitats and biodiversity, and - once established - new woodland paths for the enjoyment of local walkers. We also installed badger gates into our fencing system to ensure that any night time incursions into the open area can continue. Key tree species include hornbeam, oak, beech, birch, wild cherry, small-leaved lime and yew reflecting the mix of species present in the adjoining semi-ancient woodland at Munt’s Wood (and why it has been named 'Lower Munt's Wood').

Over 5,000 trees were planted in Roddimore Wood, located between Winslow and Great Horwood in Spring 2025. Planted in recycled plastic tubes, of note is black poplar - an important species for the local area, and blackthorn - a favoured food source for brown hairstreak butterfly larvae – rated as high priority in the area on butterfly conservation lists.

The Isle of Wight Wood is a small but mighty 1.1 hectare site that was planted with 2,020 trees in tubes: an intimate mix of broadleaf species including silver birch, wild cherry, hornbeam, small-leaved lime and oak alongside species including field maple, hazel and hawthorn.

Covering just over one hectare, the tree species that were selected for this small wood are those found in the adjacent semi-ancient woodland, extending wildlife corridors alongside the busy A413. We have also upweighted species that might provide a future sustainable timber source for coppicing, notably hazel but also some spindle and wayfaring trees.

Huntsmoor Park Wood has been designed as a community woodland for everyone to enjoy, with an open area where seating will be installed when the wood is opened up for public use. A high proportion of English Oak trees were planted: oaks support more life forms than any other native tree (over 2,300), hosting hundreds of insect species and supplying many birds with shelter and an important food source. Into the autumn, mammals such as squirrels, badgers, and deer feed on the acorns.

As a nod to the rich heritage of fruit tree growing in 19th and early 20th century Buckinghamshire, additional heritage fruit trees in December 2025 through a community event with Groundwork South. The volunteers planted 24 specially selected heritage species including apples (such as pitmaston pineapple, king of the pippins and Feltham beauty along with additional greengage, damson and mirabelle varietals.

Trees have also been planted across the county through the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescape Fund Local Authority Treescapes Fund | Buckinghamshire Council

This has included the creation of 7 ‘tiny forests’ in partnership with environmental organisation, Earthwatch at sites at Buckingham, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury and High Wycombe. At each site, 600 native trees and shrubs are densely planted in a small area (about the size of a tennis court) using the Miyawaki method. This approach ensures trees grow fast and close, outcompeting weeds and creating a wonderful habitat for butterflies, birds, bees and other local wildlife.

The most recent tiny forest was planted at Desborough Recreation Ground in December 2025 with volunteers including Millbrook Combined School student council, Uxbridge High School students who were studying the river bank in the park, local residents who regularly walk through the park, community police officers and Councillors Thomas Broom and Jilly Jordan, formerly Cabinet Member and Deputy for Climate Change and Environment.

The first planting of the recent season took place in High Wycombe on 3 December, with the creation of a new Tiny Forest at Desborough Recreation Ground.

We couldn’t achieve our ambitious tree planting targets without the help of our wonderful volunteers. If you want to get involved in volunteer tree planting events, email us to register your interest.

You can also search on local community boards and forums, we will also update this page with information about public planting events.

If you want to get in touch with a member of the team, please email [email protected]

If you are aware of any issues at our woodlands that we should know about, please email our Tree Planting Team at [email protected]

View the FAQs below.

Tree saplings should only be planted on land you own unless you have an agreement with a private landowner. 

If you are planting outside of your garden (for example in your paddock, or agricultural field), please consider whether your land has any restrictions to planting.

Q1. What is the best location to plant a tree?

Before you plant, think about the size of your tree when it reaches maturity.

Make sure it’s the right conditions for your tree. Avoid planting under existing trees or shady spots and make sure to give your tree enough space to grow (1m to 5m apart from other trees).

Choose a spot with:

• adequate sunlight (most species need 6 to 8 hours per day).
• good drainage (avoid waterlogged areas unless planting wetland species).
• enough underground and overhead space for roots and canopy to grow.

Q2. How far should I plant from buildings, fences, or utilities?

Be careful not to plant too close to buildings as although small now, this could become a problem as it grows. Also be aware that the roots grow and spread as the tree grow.

This might cause structural damage, so be aware of building foundations and underground services like water pipes and broadband cables.

The size of trees affects how far away you should plant them:

• small trees; 3 to 5 meters from buildings
• medium trees; 5 to 8 meters
• large trees; 10+ meters

You should check for:

• buried utilities (call local services before digging)
• power lines; don’t plant tall-growing species under them, ensure to check with utility companies how to comply with tree planting

Q3. Can I plant trees on slopes or compacted soil?

If planting on slopes or compacted soil, be sure to consider:

• on slopes; choose deep‑rooted species and plant on the contour
• on compacted soil; loosen soil or amend with organic matter before planting

Q4. How do I choose the right tree for my area?

Match the tree to:

• local climate and rainfall
• soil pH and texture
• available space
• desired benefits (for example shade, fruit, privacy, carbon sequestration, biodiversity)

Q5. What is the best time of year to plant trees?

Plant when trees are dormant; November to March is best.

Avoid extreme heat or drought periods.

Q6. How big should the planting hole be?

Make a hole that is:

• 2 to 3 times wider than the root ball
• the same depth as the root ball—not deeper

This encourages sideways root growth and prevents sinking.

Q7. How do I prepare the tree before planting?

You should:

• gently remove the tree from its container
• loosen any circling roots
• keep the root ball moist (but not soaked)

Q8. What is the correct planting technique?

Follow these steps:

1. place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root collar is level with the ground
2. backfill with native soil, lightly firming in layers
3. water deeply to eliminate air pockets
4. add mulch (but keep away from the trunk)

Q9. Should I use compost or fertiliser when planting?

Generally, no fertiliser at planting; it can burn roots.

You can use compost sparingly, mixed with native soil.

Most young trees establish better without soil amendments.

Q10. Do I need to stake the tree?

You should only us a stake if the:

• tree is tall and unstable
• site is windy

Remove stakes after 6 to 12 months.

Q11. How often should I water a newly planted tree?

Most very young trees do not need to be watered when they're planted in dormant months. This will help the tree adapt to your garden and natural conditions. It will encourage roots to grow downwards in search of water (instead of up to the soil surface). This will increase the trees stability. Only water if there are long dry spells, if so, saturate the ground so the water sinks deep down to the roots.

Q12. How much mulch should I apply?

Apply 5cm to 10cm of mulch around the base.

Keep 10cm to 15cm away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Mulch reduces weeds, keeps soil moist, and protects roots.

Q13. Do young trees need pruning?

They require minimal pruning.

You should:

• remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches
• avoid heavy structural pruning in the first year (major shaping can start after the tree is established)

Cutting the tree near its base to encourage new growth (coppicing). This is after 7 to 10 years. Again, make sure to research depending on the species of tree.

Q14. How can I protect my tree from pests or animals?

You should use tree guards or mesh where livestock or wildlife are present.

Remove the guard as soon as it starts to break or disintegrate (usually around 5 years+), because by this point, it has done its job and could hamper further growth.

Avoid chemicals unless absolutely necessary.

Q15. How long does a tree take to establish?

Most trees take 2 to 3 years to become established. During this time, they need regular watering and protection.

Q16. Do I need to remove weeds around the trees?

Keep the 1m diameter around your tree free of weeds and grass because these will compete with your tree for moisture and nutrients.

Manual weeding is great or using mulch (for example bark chips or straw). Chemical-based products can be used if necessary.

Beware of mowers; make sure everyone knows where the sapling is to stop it being damaged or mowed over!

Q16. Can I plant trees near a water source?

Yes; just choose appropriate species:

• willows
• poplars
• wetland trees for wet areas

Avoid moisture‑loving species near building foundations.

Q17. What if I only have limited space, like a backyard or courtyard?

You should consider:

• dwarf or columnar varieties
• fruit or ornamental trees
• container planting (with large pots)

Q18. Do planted trees always survive?

Survival rates vary (typically 60 to 90%).

You can increase survival by:

• choosing the right species
• planting correctly
• watering during dry periods
• protecting from damage

View these resources:

• Local Nature Recovery Strategy
• Species Guide (Woodland Trust)
• Video guidance on how to plant a tree (Woodland Trust)