Pucklechurch Woodland in South Gloucestershire was previously farmland about 30 hectares/ 42 football pitches in size.

In the space of four months 18 000 new trees have been planted here, and a further 24 000 will be planted next year.

This site is the first major new woodland to be planted as part of the Western Forest – the first national forest in the UK for over 30 years. The aim is for 20 million trees to be planted by 2050 fostering collaboration between local communities, businesses, and landowners, it will address net zero carbon ambitions drive nature recovery.

The Green Pledge Podcast caught up with Safia Gilder-Hodgsen from the Western Forest team, Jette Halling from South Gloucestershire Council Tree Officer and volunteers Daphne Dunning and Tony Riggs.

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/archives/our-projects/the-green-pledge-project/

https://www.wenp.org.uk/priority-programmes/western-forest

https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/tree-planting-programme/

The residents of Frampton Cotterell work hard to protect local nature, enhance the local environment and combat climate change. In this episode we’ll hear about all the incredible projects that the group are spearheading, including wildlife ponds, dead hedging, hibernacula, repair cafes, scything, clean air monitoring, wild life reserves, the climate and nature action plan ... and the list goes on.

To find out more about the Green Pledge Project visit https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/archives/our-projects/the-green-pledge-project/

In this episode Christina talks to Jojo Mehta, co-founder of Stop Ecocide. Jojo worked tirelessy with Polly Higgins to support the establishment of ecocide as a crime at the International Criminal Court. Hear about Jojo’s early influences, how she met Polly in Stroud, their work together, and also the impact of losing Polly to cancer in April 2019.

Find out about what the law of ecocide is, why it's so important, and the huge achievements and milestones that have taken place.

The interview was recorded in March 2025, in Stroud, where Jojo lives and where she grew up.