Swindon Calls for Volunteers to Double Tree Cover by 2030

Swindon is on a mission to transform itself from one of England's least green towns into a shining example of urban forestry, and it needs help from everyday people to make it happen.

The town currently has just 8% tree cover compared to the national urban average of 18%. That gap represents thousands of missing trees that could provide shade, clean air, and natural beauty to neighborhoods across Swindon.

To solve the problem, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has partnered with local government to train volunteer tree wardens. These community members learn how to plant trees, monitor their health, and maintain them for years to come. Retired teacher Jan Miles joined the training program and found her calling as a "tree lover" who scouts her neighborhood for perfect planting spots.

The town already made impressive progress through the Great Western Community Forest project, which planted nearly one million trees over five years. But councillor Jake Chandler says that wasn't enough to overcome decades of rapid development that left many areas completely bare.

Some Swindon neighborhoods have what experts call "very low tree equity," meaning residents have little to no access to tree coverage in their daily lives. The post-war building boom prioritized speed over green space, creating the challenge volunteers now face.

The Ripple Effect

Between 50 and 100 active tree wardens currently care for Swindon's growing forest. Doubling that number would give the town enough "boots on the ground" to plant and maintain the trees needed to reach 18% coverage within two to five years.

The training sessions are already opening eyes. Parish councillor Ian Edwards discovered maple trees growing in his area and realized how many overlooked patches of land could support new plantings. What started as curiosity became genuine excitement about his town's potential.

The volunteer model could inspire other densely populated areas facing similar challenges. Chandler hopes Swindon becomes an example for urban centers where large-scale tree planting seems impossible.

Anyone can join the effort, no experience needed, just a willingness to learn and help their community grow greener one tree at a time.