The second season of the Heartwood Community Forest scheme has delivered more than 80,000 new trees across Derbyshire, council figures show. The planting took place over 60 hectares at 47 sites stretching from Dronfield to Draycott, including schools, farms and heritage locations.
Where the new woodland has been created
Among the larger projects was a 17.4-hectare planting at Brownhouse Farm, a family-owned site near Wirksworth. At Heage Primary School, pupils and staff planted more than 400 trees to form shade, wildlife habitat, an orchard and an extended forest school area. The National Trust’s Sudbury Hall received in excess of 12,000 trees, combining pinetum, broadleaf and cherry species to create fresh visitor areas.
| Location | Trees / Area |
|---|---|
| Brownhouse Farm (near Wirksworth) | 17.4 hectares |
| Heage Primary School | 400+ trees |
| Sudbury Hall (National Trust) | 12,000+ trees |
| Total across Derbyshire | 80,000+ trees; 60 hectares; 47 sites |
Council aims and benefits
Derbyshire County Council, which leads the initiative with central government funding, says the project aims to improve biodiversity, support farming, enhance local landscapes and create new green spaces for communities. Planting during the second season also included 4.69 miles of new hedgerow.
"We've planted 47 sites with more than 80,000 trees and 4.69 miles of hedgerow, underpinning our commitment to protect and improve our environment and public spaces,"
The council said planning is already under way for a third season of planting in October, and landowners, businesses and community groups are being urged to register interest. Those taking part will receive fully funded support for woodland and hedgerow creation, covering design, planting and maintenance for up to 15 years.
Local impact and how to get involved
The scheme’s distribution of sites — from educational settings to heritage estates and working farms — is intended to deliver a range of local benefits:
- Increased habitats for wildlife and greater ecological connectivity across the county.
- New shade and outdoor learning spaces for schools and community groups.
- Landscape enhancement and potential additional shelter for agricultural land.
Practical support for participants includes planning and design help, plant supply and ongoing maintenance advice. The council has encouraged anyone interested in hosting new woodland or hedgerow to get in touch ahead of the October planting season.
Last year the project planted more than 47,000 trees, and the expansion this season brings the two-year total to well over 127,000 trees taking root in Derbyshire — a figure the council says demonstrates growing local engagement with landscape-scale tree planting.
Further details on how to apply for the scheme and the types of support available are being handled by Derbyshire County Council. Residents and landowners should contact the council’s environment team to discuss potential sites, species choice and long-term management commitments.
