Almost 18,000 trees will have been planted across Swindon by the end of the 2025/26 planting season as part of a major community effort to expand the town’s green spaces.
The project is being coordinated by Swindon Borough Council through the government-funded Trees for Climate programme, which has already helped plant nearly 70,000 trees locally since 2020.
Swindon sits within the Great Western Community Forest, a large landscape stretching more than 168 square miles from the North Wessex Downs to the River Thames.
Unlike traditional forests concentrated in one location, community forests include a network of woodland areas, street trees, hedgerows, habitat corridors and green spaces spread across towns and villages.
Community Effort Across the Borough
Funding from the council has supported Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, parish councils, residents, schools and businesses to plant trees across Swindon during the main planting season between November and March.
One of the standout projects this season saw around 1,000 trees planted along the woodland edge at Lydiard Park.
The new planting will help create a wildlife corridor and enhance the landscape surrounding the 80 Oaks Labyrinth, which was established last year as a tribute to those who served during the Second World War.
Other areas across the borough to benefit from new trees include:
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Moredon
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Pinehurst
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Penhill
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Wroughton
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Liddington
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Covingham
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Chiseldon
Environmental and Community Benefits
Expanding tree coverage delivers a wide range of environmental benefits.
Trees help absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality by filtering pollutants and provide essential habitats for birds, insects, mammals and plant life. They also strengthen local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Planting schemes also provide opportunities for residents and schools to learn more about ecology, sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Ambassador for the Greener Swindon mission, praised the community effort behind the planting programme.
“This year’s planting season has seen another outstanding community effort to enhance our borough’s tree cover,” she said.
“Tree planting on this scale brings real, long-lasting benefits for our environment, our health and our overall wellbeing.”
Neil Pullen, Conservation Lead at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said the programme highlights the power of community action.
“These green spaces are a shared achievement that strengthens local biodiversity and improves air quality,” he said.
“Together we are securing a healthier, more sustainable future for every neighbourhood in our borough.”
