Forestry England Partners with GB Energy for Renewable Energy Projects

Forestry England to assess renewable energy sites across public woodland

Forestry England has partnered with Great British Energy to explore solar, wind, and battery storage projects across the nation’s public forests. The collaboration will assess how renewable installations could be developed on England’s woodland estate while funding habitat management and tree planting.

The announcement comes as new legislation grants Forestry England statutory powers to host energy infrastructure on the 250,000 hectares it manages. Projects could include solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage facilities, and transmission equipment. Any woodland cleared for development must be replaced with compensatory planting elsewhere.

Forestry England already operates over 40 small renewable installations, mainly rooftop solar panels. This partnership aims to scale up generation significantly while maintaining forest cover and directing income back into conservation work.

Great British Energy brings £8 billion to accelerate clean power

Great British Energy was established in 2024 as a state-owned company with £8 billion in public funding. Based in Scotland, it focuses on accelerating renewable projects including offshore wind partnerships with the Crown Estate.

In December 2025, Great British Energy launched a £300 million Supply Chain Fund for offshore wind components. The fund supports UK manufacturing of cables, turbines, blades, and foundations. Applications remain open until December 2026. Government estimates suggest the initiative could generate a £25 billion economic boost over the next decade.

The collaboration with Forestry England represents a new direction for the company. Previously, Great British Energy concentrated on offshore wind and marine energy. This marks its first major partnership focused on land-based renewables on public estates.

Planning and Infrastructure Bill enables woodland energy projects

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently in its final stages in the House of Lords, provides the legal framework for this work. Once passed into law, Forestry England will have clear authority to develop renewable infrastructure without navigating separate planning routes for each project.

However, individual developments will still require planning permission, environmental impact assessments, and stakeholder consultation. The legislation includes a safeguard requiring no net loss of woodland. Any trees removed for energy installations must be replanted on Forestry England land.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh described England’s public forests as “among this country’s greatest natural assets.” The government views the partnership as a way to generate clean power while protecting these landscapes for future generations.

Michael Seddon, CEO of Forestry England, said the venture offers “a very exciting opportunity to support the UK’s energy security and bring extra money for us to reinvest in caring for the nation’s forests.”

Concerns raised over habitat loss and wildlife impact

Conservation groups have expressed concerns about potential damage to woodland habitats. Critics worry that clearing trees for solar panels or wind turbines could harm biodiversity, even with compensatory planting requirements.

Wildlife and Countryside Link has called for a “nature recovery duty” to be written into Great British Energy’s mandate. This would require the company to prioritize biodiversity protection in all projects, aligning with targets set under the Environment Act.

The debate reflects broader tension between renewable energy expansion and nature conservation. While both are necessary for climate action, poorly designed projects can create conflicts. Environmental surveys and thorough consultation processes will be essential to avoid unintended damage.

Forestry England has committed to reinvesting all income from energy projects into woodland management, tree planting, and wildlife support. Electricity generated on site will either be used locally or sold to the national grid.

Renewable energy targets require rapid onshore expansion

The UK aims to install between 27 and 29 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity by 2030. Currently, around 18 gigawatts are either built or under construction. This leaves a significant gap to close within four years.

Recent contract auctions secured 1.3 gigawatts of new onshore wind capacity, alongside tidal energy projects. These developments are expected to support 10,000 jobs and attract £5 billion in investment. RenewableUK notes that onshore wind now powers approximately 12 million homes and helps shield consumers from volatile gas prices.

Solar and wind projects on public land could help meet these targets while reducing pressure on private agricultural land. Nevertheless, grid connection delays remain a major barrier. Some projects face waits of up to ten years for network access.

What this means for UK businesses and supply chains

Companies involved in renewable manufacturing, installation, and maintenance may see new opportunities as these projects develop. Forestry England’s scale offers potential for long-term contracts in solar panel installation, wind turbine construction, and battery storage systems.

For businesses with net zero commitments, the partnership demonstrates how public sector organizations are aligning procurement and land use with carbon reduction goals. Suppliers to Forestry England or Great British Energy may face increasing expectations around sustainability credentials.

Organizations tendering for public sector contracts should note the growing emphasis on renewable energy and nature recovery. PPN 06/21 already requires carbon reduction plans for central government contracts above £5 million. Similar environmental criteria are likely to expand across public procurement.

Manufacturers in the offshore and onshore wind supply chain can access Great British Energy’s £300 million fund until December 2026. This includes producers of cables, blades, foundations, and related components. The fund aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imported equipment.

Commercial and compliance considerations for land managers

Private landowners and estate managers may view this partnership as a signal of policy direction. Renewable installations on rural land are becoming more financially viable, particularly with rising energy costs and government support schemes.

However, forestry and agricultural businesses considering similar projects must navigate complex planning rules. Environmental impact assessments, habitat surveys, and local consultations can add months or years to project timelines. Legal advice is often necessary to understand obligations under biodiversity net gain rules and the Environment Act.

For organizations managing woodland or rural estates, renewable income streams could offset management costs. Solar farms and wind turbines can coexist with timber production and conservation work if designed carefully. Battery storage offers another revenue option without requiring large land areas.

Insurance and liability issues also warrant attention. Energy infrastructure introduces new risks around fire safety, equipment failure, and third-party access. Businesses should review coverage before committing to installations.

Five key facts about the Forestry England and Great British Energy partnership

• Forestry England manages over 250,000 hectares across 1,500 woods and forests in England, making it the UK’s largest land manager.
• Great British Energy holds £8 billion in public funding and launched a £300 million Supply Chain Fund in December 2025 to support offshore wind manufacturing.
• The Planning and Infrastructure Bill grants Forestry England statutory powers to host solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage, and transmission infrastructure.
• All income from renewable projects will be reinvested in tree planting, woodland management, and wildlife conservation, with a requirement for no net loss of woodland.
• The UK aims to reach 27 to 29 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity by 2030, up from approximately 18 gigawatts currently built or under construction.

Balancing energy security with nature recovery

The partnership reflects a broader shift in how public bodies approach land use. Forestry England’s role is expanding beyond timber and recreation to include energy generation. This could set a precedent for other public estate managers, including local authorities and national park bodies.

Success will depend on thorough environmental assessments and transparent consultation. Projects that damage habitats or bypass local input risk legal challenges and reputational harm. Conversely, well-designed schemes can deliver multiple benefits including carbon savings, biodiversity improvements, and community energy supply.

Businesses working in forestry, renewable energy, or environmental consultancy should monitor developments closely. Further details on specific projects are expected later in 2026. These will clarify which sites are under consideration, the scale of installations planned, and procurement routes for contractors.

Organizations seeking to demonstrate carbon reduction and compliance with net zero commitments may find valuable case studies in how Forestry England manages the balance between energy generation and habitat protection.

The venture also highlights the importance of nature-positive design in renewable projects. As investors and regulators demand stronger environmental safeguards, businesses that integrate biodiversity considerations early will avoid costly delays and redesigns.

What UK businesses should consider now

Companies with land holdings should evaluate whether renewable installations align with their environmental and financial goals. Solar and wind projects can provide long-term income, but require careful planning and specialist advice.

Suppliers to the renewable energy sector should explore Great British Energy’s funding opportunities. The Supply Chain Fund remains open until December 2026 and prioritizes UK-based manufacturers. Strengthening domestic production capacity is a government priority, so businesses with relevant capabilities should assess eligibility.

Organizations tendering for public contracts should prepare for stricter environmental criteria. Demonstrating credible carbon reduction plans and nature recovery contributions will become increasingly important across central and local government procurement.

For SMEs without direct involvement in energy or land management, the partnership signals policy direction. Decarbonization and nature recovery are moving from optional initiatives to core government strategy. Businesses that adapt early will be better positioned for regulatory changes and supply chain requirements.

Training and skills development will also matter. The renewable sector faces workforce shortages in installation, maintenance, and environmental assessment. Upskilling employees in sustainability and energy topics can improve competitiveness as demand grows.

Where to find further information

Full details of the partnership will be published by Forestry England and Great British Energy later in 2026. Both organizations maintain updated websites with project announcements and procurement notices.

The Planning and Infrastructure Bill is progressing through Parliament and can be tracked via the UK Parliament website. The final text will clarify legal obligations for renewable projects on public land.

Great British Energy’s Supply Chain Fund guidance is available on the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero website. Applications close in December 2026.

Businesses seeking advice on environmental compliance and carbon reporting should consult the Environment Agency’s guidance on emissions and habitat regulations. The Environment Agency website provides sector-specific resources.

For information on biodiversity net gain and the Environment Act, visit the government’s biodiversity guidance pages. These explain legal requirements for development projects affecting natural habitats.