Public invited to have their say on new Lincolnshire Wolds woodland plans
Residents across Lincolnshire are being invited to share their views on proposals for a brand new woodland planned for the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape.
Forestry England has launched a public consultation on its plans for Hagworthingham Wood, a 102-hectare site near the village of Hagworthingham.
The new woodland is part of a wider programme to increase tree cover in Lincolnshire, which remains the least wooded county in the East Midlands, with just four per cent woodland cover compared to the national average of 14 per cent.
Since 2024, Forestry England has acquired five sites across the county for new woodland creation. Alongside Hagworthingham Wood, these include locations at Cadney, North Carlton, Mickleholme and Newball.
Together, the sites are expected to deliver around 965 hectares of new woodland — roughly equivalent to 3.7 square miles of new trees across the county.
Plans for Hagworthingham Wood
Forestry England says the woodland will be carefully designed to benefit wildlife, people and the environment for generations to come.
A mix of native tree and shrub species is planned to create a varied habitat that could support hedgehogs, bats, woodland birds such as woodpeckers, as well as a wide range of insects, butterflies and plant life.
As the woodland matures, it is also expected to capture carbon from the atmosphere, while in the longer term contributing to sustainable timber production in the UK.
Once established, the site will be open for public access, providing a new green space for walking, nature watching and quiet recreation.
Draft designs have now been published as part of the consultation, including an artist’s impression showing what the woodland could look like in 25 years’ time. The plans also respond to early feedback from residents on issues such as public access and tree species selection.
An in-person consultation event will also take place at Stockwith Mill in Hagworthingham on Thursday, April 30, from 4pm to 7pm. Forestry England staff will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the proposals.
Paddy Harrop, Central Director at Forestry England, said the organisation was keen to hear local views.
“We’re delighted to share our early design plans for Hagworthingham Wood and to invite local people to share their thoughts with us,” he said.
He added that the Lincolnshire Wolds already provide valuable habitat and green space, but woodland remains in short supply in this part of the country.
“Hagworthingham Wood is being carefully designed to ensure it will last for generations, bringing benefits to local people, wildlife, and the wider environment for many years to come,” he said.
“Your views will make a real difference to how this woodland takes shape.”
The consultation runs from Wednesday, April 15 until midnight on Sunday, May 17. More information and details are available at: www.forestryengland.uk/woodland-creation-hagworthingham