Defra Announces New National Forest in the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor

The latest announcement from Defra is exciting: a new national forest will be in the Oxford-Cambridge (Ox-Cam) corridor. This Ox-Cam national forest is the second to be announced, following the Western Forest announced earlier this year. A further location is due to be decided in early 2026, reportedly either in the Midlands or the North of England. Although details are still emerging, the forests are expected to support nature recovery, green jobs, carbon capture and improved public access.

The forests will be supported by the government’s larger commitment to allocate £1 billion to tree planting and supporting the forestry sector this parliament.

This presents an opportunity for landowners and farmers within these areas to engage in landscape-scale transformation. Alongside funding for woodland planting and agroforestry, the government intends to set up a Woodland Carbon Purchase Fund, backed by £250 million, offering upfront payments to landowners to plant carbon-rich woodlands. This is in the name of meeting net zero targets.

Further detail will be set out in the upcoming Environmental Improvement Plan, outlining the next phase of the UK’s nature recovery ambitions.

This announcement has raised Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust’s vision, 100 Miles Wilder, which was developed in response to earlier Oxford-Cambridge Arc proposals. The project aims to connect habitats, support nature-friendly farming, and create a greener corridor between the two cities. As part of their ongoing HLF funded Reconnecting Bernwood Otmoor and Ray programme, BBOWT are seeking conversations with interested landowners as they update opportunities in light of the new forests.

Associate Partner Chloe Timberlake facilitates the Ray Farmer Cluster which covers the county boundaries of Bucks and Oxon:

“The plans are exciting, but we need further detail to understand what it means for those living in the target area. While this is positive from the perspective of nature recovery, farmers and landowners will understandably have concerns about what this might mean for land use priorities. I hope that due consideration will be given to planting the right tree in the right place.”

Download the 100 Miles Wilder vision for Britain in 2040 here.

If you’d like to discuss opportunities for your farm or estate, please get in touch.