Return of the native

England’s largest new native forest near Harpenden is an example of how the UK can tackle both wildlife loss and global warming.

A lot has happened over the past 10 years at Heartwood Forest. Between 2009 and 2019, 600,000 trees were planted on former arable land to the east of Harpenden by thousands of local community members and many Woodland Trust volunteers – a monumental achievement. And the effort has certainly been worth it. Before our eyes, the land is transforming into what we had hoped – a wildlife-rich environment, beneficial for both our native species and ourselves. We are fortunate and proud to have this space in Hertfordshire, particularly at a time when it is more important than ever to have as many carbon-capturing trees as possible. According to the Woodland Trust, just 13 percent of the UK is currently covered in woodland. The conservation charity aims to nearly treble this, to at least 37 percent, in order to reach the UK’s carbon net zero target by 2050. At 858-acres, Heartwood Forest is directly contributing towards a better future for our planet, and at the same time providing a location to enhance physical and mental health in Hertfordshire.

An eclectic mix of habitat has been created at the site which is owned by the Woodland Trust and managed by volunteers with passion and dedication. It includes an orchard, where we have planted old Hertfordshire varieties of pears, apples, plums and quince; an arboretum that hosts all 60 native tree species; the wildflower meadows which buzz with insect life in spring and summer; the Disney woodland with its carved wooden animals; a wetland and more. These habitats are in addition to the original precious pockets of ancient bluebell woodland and old hedgerows.

Of the trees planted in the winter of 2011–12, the birch trees have grown the tallest. Behind them come the cherry and white willow, followed by the goat willow and field maple. Taking longer to establish themselves are the roses and wayfarer trees.