One Million Tree Challenge

Doncaster’s One Million Tree Challenge is an ambition initiated by Mayor Ros Jones that seeks to plant a million trees across the city by 2031.

Following Full Council support for the declaration of a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency for Doncaster in September 2019, a baseline of tree canopy coverage was assessed and set at 13% of the borough.

A new target was set to increase canopy cover from 13% to 17%, and from this Doncaster’s One Million Tree Challenge was formed.

Since the baselining, the total number of trees planted and contributing to the City’s One Million Trees Challenge is currently 422,059. (June 2026)

To this end, the council has a Trees and Woodland Project Officer.

The holder of this position is Lizzie Bell
Address:     Floor Two, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Number:      01302 737532
Email:          lizzie.bell@doncaster.gov.uk
Website:      www.doncaster.gov.uk

She writes 9 June, 2026

Dear Doncaster Naturalists’ Society,

I am a Tree and Woodland Project Officer with City of Doncaster Council, working on the One Million Trees Challenge.

We are currently seeking suggestions for locations across Doncaster where trees, woodland creation, hedgerows or other habitat enhancement projects focused around trees could be delivered in the future. As a group with extensive knowledge of the local environment, wildlife sites and green spaces, we would be grateful for your input.

We have created a simple online form where individuals can suggest potential planting locations, whether on public land, private land, community spaces or areas that could benefit from increased tree cover and habitat connectivity.

Help Us Find Places for Trees – Fill in form

We could greatly appreciate it if you could share the form with your members and encourage anyone with local knowledge of suitable sites to submit suggestions.

We are particularly interested in hearing about opportunities that could:

  • Increase tree canopy cover
  • Improve habitat connectivity
  • Support biodiversity and pollinators
  • Enhance community green spaces
  • Contribute to climate resilience and flood management

All suggestions will help us build a better understanding of where future tree planting opportunities may exist across the borough and support our ongoing efforts to make Doncaster greener for both people and wildlife.

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions or would like to discuss potential opportunities further, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

In addition, we are always keen to connect with individuals who would like to support our work through volunteering opportunities. If any of your members are interested in getting involved with tree planting, habitat management, community engagement events or other conservation activities, we would be delighted to hear from them.

Kind regards,

Lizzie Bell