A MAJOR new forest is to be planted between Worcester and Evesham.

The Heart of England Forest bought 150 acres of land at Naunton Beauchamp, with the aim of adding to the existing Lenches area of forest.

12 acres of the new land is a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and is partly designated for grassland.

In the coming weeks and months, HEF will be working with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Vale Landscape Heritage Trust to plant the area up and expand the forest.

A spokesman said: "Two of our partners, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Vale Landscape Heritage Trust, own adjacent land and we are very keen to work with them, as well as the previous owner who has retained half of the farm, to protect and extend the biodiversity of the grassland and the ponds on the site.

"The rest of the new area will be planted with trees.

"Acquiring the land to grow the Forest is just the beginning.

"It is vital that we manage and conserve the land for generations to come.

"You can support this important work by making a donation, becoming a Friend of the Forest, or dedicating a tree.

"The Heart of England Forest is being created and nurtured for people, wildlife, and the environment.

"With your help, we can realise our 30,000 acre ambition and go even further, creating a wonderful forest now, and a wonderful legacy for the future."

The land at Naunton Beauchamp was bought by HEF in November 2021.

Elsewhere, land was bought at Gorcott Hill and Spernal Hall Farm, adding 212 acres to the forest.

The 2021/22 tree planting season saw more than 35,000 trees installed along with 90,000 still to be planted this winter in the forest.

Hundreds of acres of new forests are being planted across Worcestershire to help with the climate and celebrate the Queen's jubilee.

The Queen's Green Canopy is a nationwide scheme to plant thousands of new trees.

In Worcestershire, more than 5,500 trees have already been planted for the scheme, with people encouraged to plant whatever they can from single trees to larger forests.