Third Wood, Chew Magna: A Community-Led Woodland Restoration Near Bristol

Just south of Bristol, overlooking panoramic views of Chew Valley Lake, a native woodland restoration project is quietly taking shape. Known as Third Wood, the site near Chew Magna is being restored through a collaboration between local landowner Gavin Spittlehouse, community volunteers and not-for-profit Community Interest Company 9Trees CIC.

What began as a landowner-led initiative has grown into a practical example of how community action, business involvement and long-term biodiversity planning can work together to restore native woodland for future generations.

Restoring Woodland Lost to Drought

Like many woodland sites across the UK, Third Wood has been affected by increasingly dry summers. Recent droughts led to the loss of young trees, highlighting the need to replant in ways that improve long-term resilience.

Volunteer planting days began during winter 2025 and will continue into 2026. The focus is on replacing lost trees while strengthening biodiversity across the site. Over the first two planting seasons, the aim is to plant 2,000 trees during winter 2025–26, followed by a further 2,000 trees in winter 2026–27.

Native species being planted include oak, hazel, hornbeam, alder and sweet chestnut, selected to support wildlife and improve the woodland’s ability to cope with changing climate conditions.

A Partnership Between Landowner and Community

Third Wood was instigated by landowner Gavin Spittlehouse, whose experience combines hands-on woodland creation, professional volunteer management and a long-term commitment to biodiversity. After stepping away from an IT career in 2015, Gavin planted 15 acres of woodland near Bristol and continues to explore agroforestry alongside beekeeping.

After discovering 9Trees CIC through local Bristol connections and its website, Gavin reached out to explore how the project could be delivered collaboratively. The replanting phase is now coordinated by 9Trees CIC, bringing together volunteers, conservation contractors and partner organisations.

Businesses Planting Alongside Volunteers

A key feature of Third Wood is the involvement of businesses that fund and actively take part in planting days. Bristol-based organisations such as The Gallimaufry, Marriott Hotels, Little Green Rooms and Stride Treglown are supporting the project, alongside national partners including Dryrobe, CBRE, Warrens Office, Banner and others.

These partners cover the costs of trees, equipment and coordination, while their teams plant alongside local volunteers. Volunteer days are free and open to individuals, families and community groups, ensuring the project remains accessible to the wider community.

Carbon, Transparency and Biodiversity

Third Wood is registered under the Woodland Carbon Code, raising important questions about transparency and double-counting. To protect the integrity of the scheme, 9Trees CIC and the landowner agreed that a proportion of the trees planted by 9Trees volunteers would not be included in carbon claims.

This approach allows volunteer planting, business support and biodiversity outcomes to sit alongside long-term woodland management without compromising accountability.

Learning From the Land

The restoration work at Third Wood has provided valuable insight into climate resilience and planting practices. Site surveys showed that later-planted trees often performed better during drought conditions. Oak survival varied depending on stock quality and planting timing, while hazel performed particularly well in certain areas. In some cases, trees initially thought to be lost recovered following autumn rainfall.

These findings are already informing how future woodland projects are planned and delivered by 9Trees CIC.

Part of the Branching Out Programme

Third Wood is one of several sites supported through Branching Out, 9Trees CIC’s flexible approach to woodland creation. The programme allows the organisation to work with landowners, farmers, leaseholders, schools, community groups and partner organisations on projects ranging from nine trees to more than 5,000 trees.

Support can include free native trees, stakes and guards, paid contractors, volunteer coordination, woodland surveys, creation plans and species selection. All supported woodlands are managed for biodiversity for a minimum of 25 years.

A Woodland Built Through Collaboration

Third Wood demonstrates how collaborative woodland creation can deliver both environmental and social value. Landowner vision, professional coordination, business support and community volunteering combine to create a resilient native woodland close to Bristol.

Volunteer planting days will continue throughout winter 2025 and into 2026. Individuals, families, community groups, businesses and landowners interested in getting involved can find more information at www.9trees.org.

Volunteer information and dates:
www.9trees.org/our-events

Landowners and partners:
www.9trees.org/landowners
www.9trees.org/branching-out