Use this page to learn about what we're doing to increase tree cover across Bath and North East Somerset, and what you can do to help.
Increasing tree cover is one of our key actions in tackling the Climate and Ecological Emergencies.
We set an ambitious target following the declaration of these emergencies to plant 100,000 trees in Bath and North East Somerset by May 2023, and in 2023 committed to doubling tree and woodland cover by 2050, as set out in the Forest of Avon Plan.
Find out what we're doing to increase tree cover
Select a topic below to find out how we met our 2023 target:
At least 75,000 trees have been planted by private landowners and partner organisations. This includes the first phase of the creation of Great Avon Wood. We are a key partner and work closely with the Forest of Avon Trust and Avon Needs Trees.
Over 17,000 trees have been planted with volunteer groups in parks and green spaces. This work was funded by a Trees for Climate grant.
Over 500 trees have been planted in residential and urban areas. This work was funded by a Trees for Climate grant and Section 106 contributions.
Over 6,500 trees were planted by residents through a subsidised Tree Giveaway scheme and over 2,000 trees have been planted through our Parish Tree Giveaway scheme.
How you can help
We are supporting local people in their efforts to get trees in the ground and maintain them. Select a topic below to find out ways you can help:
If you would like to suggest a location for tree planting, you can do this via the council’s have your say webpage. We assess tree planting opportunities on an annual basis, prioritising sites that deliver on objectives outlined in the Forest of Avon Plan, before identifying funding opportunities.
If you are interested in sponsoring a tree you can email Tree_Planting@bathnes.gov.uk or call Council Connect on 01225 394041 to request further information.
We work closely with Friends Groups and our partners at YourPark Bristol and Bath, MoreTrees BANES, and the Community Action for Nature volunteers at the Bathscape Landscape Partnership to deliver tree planting and young tree aftercare sessions. You can find out more about volunteering opportunities by visiting their websites.
Landowners and leaseholders interested in making a positive contribution are encouraged to respond to our call for nature sites.
The Forest of Avon Plan includes principles for tree and woodland establishment and management, and sets out Tree and Woodland Priorities by Landscape Character Areas (which can also be viewed via an interactive map). We encourage anyone planting trees or creating woodland to refer to these.
The Forest of Avon Trust also offers free advice on Trees for Climate and other tree-planting grant schemes.
The Royal Forestry Society have launched a Green Tree Badge, a nature-based initiative challenging children, schools, and families to learn more about trees.
The Tree Council are also offering trees and resources through their Young Tree Champions project.
Find out more about how you can respond to the Ecological Emergency and help nature’s recovery.
We are continuing our partnership work to deliver the Forest of Avon Plan for the West of England with the ambition of doubling tree and woodland cover by 2050. To support this work, we have mapped the best opportunities for increasing tree and woodland cover using our Woodland Opportunity Mapping Tool.