Community Forests
Inspired by Amsterdam's Bos Park and the German stadtwalder, the first three Community Forests were established in 1989. Pioneering work was undertaken to bring together a wide-range of interests in partnerships to agree comprehensive land-use plans, guiding strategic tree planting, whilst conserving and enhancing the wider natural environment (all with a strong community dimension and focused on delivering public benefit).
The coherent and strategic planning of the Forest of Avon and the long-term partnership work to create it, have delivered significant public benefits to the area. The significant achievements of the National Programme of Community Forests are recognised by national Government, with a number of references to Community Forests in the 25-year Environment Plan and the newly launched England Tree Action Plan.
The Forest of Avon was established in 1992. The Forest’s creation is guided by a detailed Forest of Avon Plan, which sets out strategies for the West of England.
In 2005, partners above and Parish Councils in the ‘affected’ area formally agreed the expansion of the Forest of Avon boundary to include all of the West of England (outside the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds and Mendips). All 4 local authorities agreed Planning Guidance for the Forest of Avon in 2005, although this predates the boundary change. There are also policy references to the Forest of Avon in all 2005 era Local Plans.
The former Forest Plan was approved by a formal partnership including the Forestry Commission, the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and the four West of England authorities in 1995 and an updated version was created in 2002.
Forest of Avon Plan - Now Launched!
The Forest of Avon Plan: A Tree and Woodland Strategy for the West of England is now launched as of June 9th 2021 and you can find out everything about it HERE
The new 2021 Forest of Avon Plan is the official Tree and Woodland Strategy for the West of England having been endorsed by the West of England Nature Partnership which includes the 4 authorities - Bath and NE Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol - as well as the West of England Combined Authority.
Achievements
In the period 1992 to 2009, the Forest of Avon partnership secured the planting of over a million trees, improved 1,000km of rights of way and other paths, brought over 500ha in to Countryside Stewardship Schemes and involved tens of thousands of volunteers.
The Forest of Avon Trust has been active as a charity, working closely with partners since 2009.
We are successful in drawing down resources, with an attractive, community focused ethos. The charity has a proud track record of delivery and as its funding has increased, has also been able to adopt a more strategic approach.
For more information on the Forest of Avon and how you can help create it, please contact Alex at alex.stone@forestofavontrust.org
The previous Forest Plan as well as our new Plan can be accessed in the document viewer below: