During 2020, the Conservative lead County Council planted 20,575 trees on land within Hertfordshire County Council’s ownership which has been fully funded by the Forestry Commission’s Carbon Woodland Fund.
The planting starts the creation of a new woodland known as Potters Chase Wood next to junction 24 of the M25.The woodland will be completed by Spring 2022 with the planting of a further 17,325 trees.
The woodland has been planted with a mixture of broadleaf and coniferous trees with the main species being Oak, Hornbeam, Silver Birch, Wild Cherry, Scots Pine, Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. These species are also found throughout the neighbouring Fir and Pond Wood. In addition, open areas have been created through the woodland which will allow for public access and enjoyment of the new site.
This project contributes to Hertfordshire's Sustainable Strategy and Action Plan by turning environmentally poor land into areas which will support a diverse amount of wildlife. It has been calculated that within 100 years the woodland will absorb 3,591 tonnes of carbon which the County Council can use to off-set their carbon emissions.
