Swindon’s green spaces have been thriving thanks to an ambitious tree-planting initiative that has seen more than 50,000 trees take root across the Borough since 2020.
At the end of the current planting season, Swindon’s urban and rural landscapes will have been enriched with 55 hectares of new woodland, reinforcing the town’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Key sites such as Mouldon Hill, Coate Water, and Stanton Park have been among the many locations benefiting from the initiative, which forms part of the Great Western Community Forest and Swindon Forest Meadows schemes.
The project, delivered through the Trees for Climate programme in collaboration with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, is a crucial step towards Swindon Borough Council’s mission to build a greener future. When fully grown, each hectare of new woodland will absorb around 295 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, helping to combat climate change while enhancing air quality. The trees also play a vital role in improving soil health, reducing erosion, and mitigating flooding, with over 30 per cent of plantings strategically placed in natural flood management areas.
The scheme has been made possible through the dedication of volunteers, with local businesses, parish councils, and environmental organisations rallying behind the cause. More opportunities to get involved are coming up in February, with tree planting sessions scheduled across Swindon:
- Tuesday, 4 February, 10am – Grace Walk, Haydon Wick
- Friday, 14 February, 10am – Raybrook Meadow, Rodbourne
- Tuesday, 18 February, 10am – Shaw Forest
- Friday, 21 February, 10am – Heaton Close open space, Haydon Wick
The sessions, run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, require no booking—residents simply need to turn up with suitable clothing, footwear, and a packed lunch.
Councillor Emma Bushell, Cabinet Member for the Build a Greener Swindon mission, praised the initiative: “It’s fantastic to see so many trees being planted across the Borough. This work is essential to improving our local environment and air quality. The dedication of council officers and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust often goes unnoticed, but without them, we wouldn’t be able to enhance our parks and open spaces.
“If you’d like to be part of this, why not attend one of the upcoming planting events? Or check out Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s website to find other ways to get involved. Volunteering not only benefits the local environment but can also bring personal health and wellbeing rewards.”
Residents are encouraged to follow the Council’s social media channels for updates on upcoming planting sessions. For more information on the Build a Greener Swindon mission, visit the Council’s website.
