Forestry England and DPD are extending their partnership to restore and protect some of the nation’s forests. Since 2020, the support of DPD’s Eco Fund has helped restore Wareham Forest in Dorset following devastating wildfires, planted more than 12,000 trees across four woodlands, and created new spaces for local communities.

The partnership will continue for two more years with projects to boost biodiversity and resilience in several woodlands in Forestry England’s care. At West Harting Down in the South Downs National Park, work will focus on restoring this ancient woodland site with a diverse mix of tree species to improve resilience and biodiversity. DPD’s support will enable Forestry England to plant 5,000 trees, help to improve the condition of a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and expand the habitat for wildlife including dormice, turtle doves and several butterfly species.

At Clipsham Woods in the East Midlands, the focus will be on replanting the woodland which has been badly impacted by ash dieback disease. The partnership will support the planting of 7,000 trees, incorporating a diverse range of tree species to make it more resilient to climate change and the threats of future tree pests and diseases.

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