First trees planted at new woodland project

This week marked a significant milestone for Norfolk's ambitious tree-planting programme as the first trees were planted at the Wiggenhall St Germans Woodland Project.

Pupils from St Germans Academy teamed up with local councillors as part of of National Tree Week to begin creating the new woodland, which will eventually feature more than 40,000 trees.

Councillor James Bensly, cabinet member for environment and waste at Norfolk County Council, said: "This project is about more than planting trees- it's about creating a legacy. Wiggenhall St Germans will become a place where people can connect with nature, and where future generations can see the difference they made today."

The Wiggenhall St Germans Woodland Project is part of Norfolk County Council's "1 Million Trees for Norfolk" initiative. This new woodland will cover 15.5 hectares of council-owned farmland and eventually feature around 40,000 trees, including a mix of native and fruiting species.

Ms Shillings, a teacher at St Germans Academy accompanied 4 pupils from the local school at the event, she said: "It's wonderful for the children to see what they learn about nature and the environment come to life outside the classroom. Planting trees today helps them understand the importance of caring for our planet and gives them a sense of pride in contributing to something that will last for years."

Edward Hurst, one of the students from St Germans Academy, shared his excitement, he said: "I really enjoyed planting my trees, I have never planted a tree before. It is really important to help expand the wildlife in St Germans. It is a really good feeling, as whenever we drive past we look out for my trees, and I will be able to come back and see it when it is all grown."

The project has been shaped with input from the local community and parish council and is supported by funding from the England Woodland Creation Offer.

This woodland creation helps deliver the newly launched Local Nature Recovery Strategy by restoring and improving nature. The trees were grown from seeds collected in Norfolk by volunteers at the Gressenhall community Tree Nursery.

Planting will continue through to Spring 2026, with public access planned for Summer 2026, including paths for walking and exploring.

For more information about the 1 Million Trees for Norfolk initiative and how to get involved, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/milliontrees