The Community Forest Programme was established in 1989 to regenerate and revitalise some 1,750 square miles of countryside and greenspace in and around twelve major conurbations.
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The Community Forest Programme

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Since 1989, the twelve Community Forests have transformed landscapes in and around major urban areas in England, creating well wooded landscapes close to where most people live and work.


The Community Forest Programme was established as an experimental programme with an ambitious vision and shared objectives to revitalise some 1,750 square miles of countryside and greenspace in and around major conurbations. 

Since then they have evolved and developed into leading exponents of environmentally-led regeneration.  They have enhanced the contribution of strategic environmental change to a wide range of environmental, social and economic agendas, assisted urban and rural regeneration, and enhanced the health, well-being and quality of life of local communities. 

Now, over half of England’s population lives in or within easy reach of a Community Forest.

A recent recent evaluation (487kb pdf) study of the first 15 years of the Programme, highlights the many benefits delivered and concludes that it has offered 'good value for money'.

The evaluation also recognises that, although well established, Community Forests are only a third of the way through their ambitious programmes of environmental and social renewal.  Their full benefits will only emerge as new landscapes develop and mature, fledgling enterprises become embedded in the local economy and young participants in Forest activities grow into the decision makers of tomorrow.

See the related publication 'Regeneration around cities: The role of England's Community Forests'.

Between 1989 and 2005, the National Community Forest Programme was sponsored by the Countryside Agency and Forestry Commission.

The Forestry Commission have now taken on the lead support role for the Forests.

Natural England continues to share the good practice and lessons learnt from the Community Forests, particularly in developing its work in the countryside around towns.