Cornwall launches the Forest for Cornwall project

Cornwall Council has launched its ambitious climate emergency project the Forest for Cornwall, drawing high praise from the Woodland Trust for leading the way.

The council’s flagship carbon-reducing programme plans to cover 8,000 hectares across Cornwall with woodlands, forests and other canopy cover over the next decade. The first trees were planted by residents, schoolchildren and volunteers at Tincombe, Saltash, on 17 December.

Once completed, the programme aims to extend canopy cover over an additional two per cent of Cornwall’s total land area and capture one per cent of Cornwall’s current greenhouse gas emissions, working alongside other natural climate solutions to draw carbon from the atmosphere, with the Forest for Cornwall forming a key part of Cornwall Council’s plans to help Cornwall become carbon neutral by 2030.

Ross Kennerley, Woodland Trust South West Regional Director, said: “Across England and the south west I would say Cornwall is in the lead for having the ambition at a county level to create a woodland for the benefit of people, wildlife and the climate. You are here in the lead on a very important day at the start of a significant project and I congratulate you all, particularly those who have come from school today.

“The Woodland Trust is really pleased to be supporting this partnership. Our focus is simple – Cornwall rich in trees and woods. We want to protect woods and manage them for people and wildlife and we particularly want to create new woodland by planting new trees.”

Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for climate change and neighbourhoods, added: “It’s an ambitious project but with lots of help, like everyone here today, we will be able to significantly increase the number of trees and hedgerows to help absorb and lock-down carbon emissions towards helping Cornwall become carbon neutral.Cllr Hannaford paid tribute to everyone who turned out to help contribute to Cornwall’s natural solution to climate change.

“I would like to applaud Saltash on what you’re already doing and hope you will join us in the call for other community groups, landowners, local councils, charities, schools and individuals to get involved and help make a difference for Cornwall by planning their own tree planting events.”