Almost 18,000 trees will have been planted across the Borough by the end of the 2025/26 planting season, thanks to the dedicated efforts of local volunteers.

Swindon Borough Council administers ‘Trees for Climate’ locally - a major, government‑funded woodland creation programme - which has already supported the planting of nearly 70,000 trees since 2020.

The entire borough sits within the Great Western Community Forest, an expansive landscape covering more than 168 square miles from the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the River Thames. Unlike traditional forests, community forests are not concentrated in a single location; instead, they span a rich mosaic of community woodland, private woodland, street trees, urban woodland, habitat corridors and hedgerows. 

The Council has allocated government funding to support the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and local parish councils to mobilise residents, schools and businesses to plant new trees across Swindon during the planting season which runs from November to March.

One of this season’s highlights included the planting of almost 1,000 trees along the woodland edge at Lydiard Park, creating a new wildlife corridor and enhancing the landscape around the 80 Oaks Labyrinth, which was planted last year as a lasting tribute to those who served during the Second World War.

Other areas benefiting from new planting this season include Moredon, Pinehurst, Penhill, Wroughton, Liddington, Covingham Park and Chiseldon.

Increasing tree coverage brings significant environmental gains. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and lock away carbon in their trunks, roots and soils. They improve local air quality by filtering pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. They also enrich biodiversity, providing crucial habitats for birds, mammals, insects, fungi and many plant species and help strengthen the Borough’s ecosystems for the future.

Tree planting also delivers valuable social benefits, offering opportunities for children and adults to learn about ecology, sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Ambassador for the Greener Swindon mission, said: “This year’s planting season has seen another outstanding community effort to enhance our Borough’s tree cover.

“Tree planting on this scale brings real, long-lasting benefits for our environment, our health, and our overall wellbeing. I’m grateful to every volunteer who has given their time to help expand Swindon’s green lungs by joining planting sessions organised by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and parish councils.”

Neil Pullen, Conservation Lead at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Through our partnership with Swindon Borough Council, other local organisations and the tireless energy of our volunteers, we’re showing that tree planting is a catalyst for community connection.

“These green spaces are a shared achievement that strengthens local biodiversity and improves air quality. Together, we are securing a healthier, more sustainable future for every neighbourhood in our borough.”