Cornwall Celebrates Five Years of Forest for Cornwall as First 100 Trees Mark Major Milestone

Cornwall is marking a major environmental milestone this month as the first 100 trees planted for the Forest for Cornwall project more than five years ago are celebrated during National Tree Week.

The original saplings were planted in Tincombe Park, Saltash in December 2019 by volunteers, schoolchildren and councillors, marking the beginning of a Duchy-wide effort to boost woodland cover and tackle climate change. Cornwall Council is now returning to the same location to host a special anniversary celebration on Saturday, 29 November, reflecting on how far the project has come.

1.6 Million Trees Planted in Five Years

Since its launch, the Forest for Cornwall has delivered around 1.6 million trees across more than 1,000 projects, making it one of the most ambitious tree-planting schemes in the region.

With the winter planting season now beginning, a further 500 hectares of tree planting is planned across farms, parks, landholdings and even streets — equivalent to around 715 football pitches.

Free Tree Giveaways and Community Activities

As part of National Tree Week (22–30 November), residents are being invited to take part in a series of events across Cornwall, including:

Saturday 22 November – Newquay Football Club

10.30am–12.30pm
Free tree giveaway as part of the Back Garden Forest scheme.

Saturday 29 November – Camborne Library

10am–12pm
Second free tree giveaway event.

Visitors can choose from a range of native species including rowan, crab apple, hawthorn, hazel, guelder rose and dogwood. Each sapling comes with a planting and care guide.

Additional tree-giving events are planned later this winter in Helston, Tintagel, Penzance, Perranporth, Bodmin, Redruth, Truro and St Austell.

Women’s Institutes across Cornwall — including groups in Calstock, Veryan, Zennor and Hayle — are also planting trees in their communities throughout the season.

Council: “Make a pledge this winter”

Cllr Loic Rich, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said:

**“The very first planting for Forest for Cornwall took place in Tincombe Park in Saltash back in 2019 and we are really pleased to be returning during this year’s National Tree Week to celebrate how far Forest for Cornwall has come over the last five years.

“A huge thank you to all of you who have helped get trees in the ground over the last five years whether that’s in your garden, a community space, a farm, school or business.

“Planting a tree helps create green corridors that provide homes for birds, insects and animals, they’re brilliant for our health and help reduce traffic noise and air pollution, as well as helping to prevent flooding and soil erosion. Make a pledge this winter to get involved by planting or helping to look after trees in your neighbourhood.”**

Anniversary Event Open to All

The anniversary celebration at Tincombe Park, Saltash, will take place on Saturday, 29 November, from 10am–1pm at the Oaklands Community Centre.

Activities include:

• free tree giveaway

• willow-weaving workshop

• hedgerow planting

• a guided walk along the Tincombe Tree Trail

Residents of all ages are invited to take part.