Council joins forces with Forestry England to create new woodland in Wing

The new Wing Wood will see 132,000 trees planted on land owned by Buckinghamshire Council, creating an inspiring green space for local people, a valuable habitat for wildlife and a sustainable source of timber.

The decision to create the new woodland on the 51-hectare site follows a public consultation last year and local and national organisations were also involved in discussions over the woodland plan. Wing Wood will include a mix of tree species suited to the locality, five new wildlife ponds and a community orchard as well as accessible paths for walking and cycling. As part of the woodland design, Forestry England hope to link the new Wing Wood with Long Spinney Wood, creating clear paths and an easy connection between the two areas.

Forestry England will begin planting this year and aim to get most of the trees in the ground before the end of April with the rest planted in the autumn and winter. The 132,000 trees will form part of the council’s pledge to plant 543,000 trees, one for for every resident in Buckinghamshire by2031, as part of its Climate Change Strategy.

Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said:

“We are really pleased to be able to join forces with Forestry England to develop this new countryside space in Wing. Not only will it provide an additional green space for people to enjoy, but it will also create a welcome new haven for wildlife, enhance and enrich the existing countryside and help us to work towards our net zero carbon goal for the future.”

Bethany Cambridge, Head of Woodland Creation at Forestry England, commented:

“Expanding the nation’s forests is an important part of Forestry England’s work and is supported by the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund. We are delighted to be partnering with Buckinghamshire Council to grow an inspiring woodland for local people to explore and enjoy.

“As it grows and matures, Wing Wood will bring health and wellbeing opportunities to local people and benefits to the wider landscape by providing thriving wildlife habitats to boost biodiversity, improving air quality and helping prevent soil erosion and flooding.”

Forestry England will hold volunteer planting days in the autumn for local people to help plant the community orchard trees and learn more about the woodland design and plans. News and updates on Wing Wood will be shared on the Forestry England website.