National Forest Reception

Minister Creagh with Lord Vallance and The National Forest Chief Executive John Everitt

This week Minister Creagh attended the National Forest Company (NFC) Parliamentary Reception to celebrate their success and hear their new vision for woodland creation. The NFC recently reached a significant milestone of 10 million trees planted since 1991.  

In her role as Forestry Minister, Mary Creagh has been working alongside the National Forest Company to deliver the Labour Government’s commitment to three new national forests. Defra launched the first New National Forest, the Western Forest, in March 2025. Two more national forests will be created; one in the Oxford Cambridge corridor, and third either in the Midlands or North of England, after a public competition.

Part of the Environmental Improvement Plan, which has a target of 16.5% tree and woodland cover by 2050 - by planting millions more trees the government is increasing public access green spaces, restoring nature and strengthening climate resilience, all while driving economic growth.