The National Forest Company has announced that trees now cover a quarter of its area.

It describes the development as a 'remarkable transformation', from an industrialised area that was once one of the UK's least wooded parts of the country in the early 1990s, with forest cover as low as six per cent, to a vibrant forest landscape in just over 30 years.

The company adds that this 'major milestone' stands as a testament to collective environmental action over three decades.

More than 9.5million trees have now been planted, restoring a landscape more notable for centuries of coal mining and clay extraction across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire.

The Forest surrounds the Ashby area and includes North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire.

National Forest chief executive, John Everitt OBE, said: "This milestone of 25 per cent forest cover is testament to all our partners who have helped create the National Forest for more than 30 years - the early pioneers as well as a new generation of farmers and landowners.

"It is a chance to celebrate success and demonstrate how this approach can be used to encourage more forest projects across the country in the drive to adapt to a changing climate and reach net zero.

"The National Forest is also part of a wider success story for all tree planting in England over the past year, the last planting season saw tree planting rates increase by 52 per cent from the previous year with 5,529 hectares of new woodland planted.

"This marks significant progress towards meeting the Environment Act target of achieving 16.5 per cent tree and woodland cover in England by 2050." 

With cross-party support from Government since its inception, the National Forest's milestone of 25 per cent forest cover has been boosted by increased tree planting over the last four years as part of Defra's Nature for Climate Fund and the England Tree Planting Programme.

But, while trees are at the core of the National Forest, its vision extends beyond regeneration. 

The Company adds that dramatic increase in forest cover has seen a positive impact on key national priorities of nature, wellbeing and low carbon growth.

As the Forest flourishes, wildlife and biodiversity is making a remarkable recovery, bucking the trend of species declines nationally.

Woodland species such as sparrowhawk, brown long-eared bat and speckled wood butterfly are seeing particular increases, alongside the reintroduction of rare species such as dormice as habitats are reconnected.

The Company also says the transformation is also enhancing quality of life for communities. 

Around 70 per cent of National Forest residents now live within 15 minutes' walk of a local woodland, creating convenient access to nature on their doorstep, bolstering connection with the natural environment and opportunities to enjoy recreational activities to improve health and wellbeing.

Schools are also benefiting, with outdoor learning in woodland settings now becoming an integral part of supporting education activities.

Additionally, the Forest is helping to drive growth in green and low carbon enterprise. 

Farming businesses have diversified, such as Cattows Farm, an early adopter of tree planting in the Forest, where woodland planting has helped shift from intensive farming to leisure and tourism activity.

This not only contributes to the local economy but also enhances the Forest's appeal as a destination for sustainable tourism, now supporting over 5,300 jobs and attracting more than 8.2 million visitors each year.

This substantial influx of tourists underscores the Forest's pivotal role in regional economic development, but with its diverse mosaic of landscapes and land uses, towns and villages coexisting with industry and agriculture, and a culture of collaboration among landowners, businesses and communities, the Forest is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Mr Everitt added: "This demonstrates how trees can act as the catalyst for transformation, and that it really is possible for housing, industry and biodiversity to grow side by side.

"At a time when the country is looking for positive ideas, the National Forest provides a successful model that can be adopted elsewhere."

The next big milestone for the National Forest is to reach 10 million trees, with more tree planting aimed at increasing tree cover in urban areas and through agroforestry to continue to support this connected environment.