Bradford to Nearly Double Tree Cover by 2030

Bradford is planting its way to a greener future with a plan that will nearly double the city's tree canopy cover over the next few years.

The city council announced this week it will increase tree coverage from 9.14% to 17%, surpassing England's national target of 16.5%. The ambitious biodiversity plan will also create new nature reserves and ensure every resident has access to green spaces, no matter where they live.

Bradford has already made remarkable progress. Between 2020 and 2023, volunteers and council teams planted more than 60,000 trees across the region. In June 2025, the city created eight new Local Nature Reserves, giving families more places to connect with nature close to home.

The city's crown jewel arrived in May 2025 when Bradford launched the Bradford Pennine Gateway, the area's first National Nature Reserve. The stunning landscape includes beloved spots like Ilkley Moor, Shipley Glen, and St Ives Estate. Its beauty caught global attention when Conde Nast Traveller magazine named it one of the Seven Wonders of the World for 2026.

Two-thirds of Bradford is already considered rural, and 19% of the district features priority habitats like moorland, woodland, and wetlands. But many urban neighborhoods fall short of the greenery residents deserve. The new plan aims to close that gap.

David Shepherd, the council's Strategic Director for Growth, acknowledged the journey ahead. The city has made significant strides in restoring habitats and fighting climate change over the past five years, he said, but the work continues to ensure everyone benefits from nature's gifts.

The Ripple Effect

Bradford's transformation shows what's possible when cities commit to nature. More trees mean cleaner air for children to breathe, cooler streets during summer heat waves, and safe havens for wildlife returning to urban areas. The new green spaces will give families affordable places to play, exercise, and find peace without leaving their neighborhoods.

Other cities struggling with low tree coverage are already watching Bradford's progress. The model proves that even heavily developed areas can reverse course and become thriving green spaces within a generation.

Thousands of volunteers from 'Friends of' groups have joined the effort, turning tree planting into community celebration days. Their work is literally reshaping the landscape, one sapling at a time, and building connections between neighbors in the process.

By the time today's newly planted saplings mature, Bradford will look completely different, offering shade, beauty, and breathing room for generations to come.