How everyday people are creating their own woodlands from scratch
Image: Woodlands.co.uk
A quiet green revolution is taking root across the UK, with a surge of ordinary people buying small parcels of former agricultural land, through Woodlands.co.uk, to plant trees and create new woodlands. This people‑powered movement is turning grass fields into thriving habitats and making a tangible impact on climate change and biodiversity.
Tree planters are not just talking about how the world might be better; they are investing their own money and taking a hands‑on approach to deliver real change. As well as the environmental and conservation benefits, planting a woodland offers a long‑term project that can be nurtured and curated over many years, transforming the land and leaving a legacy for future generations.
Matthew, who purchased Stanford Meadow in Clandown, Somerset, is one such owner. When he retired, he wanted a meaningful project, so he used a lump sum from his pension to buy a five‑acre meadow from woodlands.co.uk and, with support from the Forest of Avon Trust and a grant, planted 3,000 native broadleaf trees, including oak, birch, hazel and hawthorn. Three years later, many of the trees stand over 2.5 metres tall, and wildlife has moved in: owl boxes attract barn owls, while trail cameras capture foxes, badgers and dozens of bird species. “I thought I might sell it once the trees matured, but now I can’t imagine parting with it,” Matthew says. “Just pottering around with a coffee in the shelter we built, it’s my escape from city life. I’m even thinking about purchasing and planting another field.”
The impact of these woodland‑creation projects by small landowners is becoming increasingly significant. In 2024/25, the UK planted nearly 16,000 hectares of new woodland, including over 10.4 million trees in England alone – the highest rate in more than 20 years. Small woodland owners are playing an important role in this progress, often involving local communities in tree‑planting days, hedgerow creation and wildlife‑habitat improvement.
Despite this momentum, the UK remains below government woodland targets, with woodland cover needing to reach 19% by 2050 to meet climate and biodiversity goals. Grassroots projects such as those supported by woodlands.co.uk are essential to closing this gap. “Whilst adding to the UK’s tree cover is hugely important, planting your own woodland is about more than just the new trees,” says Anton Baskerville of woodlands.co.uk. “It’s about creating a place to unwind, to gather with family and friends, and to make a lasting contribution to the environment. People are increasingly seeking that balance between green space and daily life.”
Woodlands.co.uk is supporting this growing interest by providing parcels of land suitable for tree planting (which buyers take on as freehold owners), offering a canvas upon which the new owner can plant trees and shape their own conservation projects. The meadows typically range from around 3 to 8 acres, a manageable size for individuals and families. Some buyers choose to add wildflower meadows, orchards, ponds or streams to their plans.
The team at woodlands.co.uk and owners like Matthew are available for exclusive interviews and comments, offering first‑hand insight into the growing impact of small‑scale woodland‑creation projects across the UK.
About Woodlands.co.uk
Founded with a mission to make woodland ownership accessible and enjoyable, Woodlands.co.uk offers private woodlands for sale across the UK. The company provides resources and guidance for new owners to explore creative ways of managing their woodlands for personal and community benefit. Whether for conservation, leisure, or environmental education, Woodlands.co.uk empowers individuals to steward and protect their woodlands for generations to come.