It’s good news for nature this week (Friday 26 July 2024) as the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Committee approved £2m of funding for the creation of a Lower Chew Forest.
The funding, in the form of a loan to Avon Needs Trees, will support the development of 420 acres of new woodland, wetlands, hedgerows and grassland in the Chew Valley. The space could eventually home up to 100,000 trees and help protect local villages and the wider region from flooding.
Mayor Dan Norris who’s ambition for nature recovery is boosted by the plans, said:
“Support for nature is essential if we’re going to meet our Net Zero obligations. From pollinator projects that support our bee populations to funding new wildflower meadows, I’ve been working to make the West of England the most nature-friendly region in the country.
“Funding for development of the Lower Chew Forest is a massive step in the right direction. When the project is finished, it will be the biggest new woodland in the South West for a generation and I can't wait for to see it come to life.”
