A REVIEW OF THE BLACK COUNTRY URBAN FOREST MILLENNIUM PROGRAMME, 1995–2001

Abstract

Summary In 1995, the National Urban Forestry Unit obtained substantial funding from the Millennium Commission to expand an existing initiative called the Black Country Urban Forest (BCUF). Co-funding was also obtained from other sources. The BCUF Millennium Programme has been one of the most significant urban forestry initiatives in Britain over the past decade. The initiative was developed through the Black Country Environmental comprising local authorities and voluntary organisations. It involved the planting of hundreds of new woodlands, the rehabilitation of extensive areas of neglected woodland and the planting of thousands of new street and garden trees. This paper is based on a detailed review of the initiative that analysed its different elements, assessed their strengths and weaknesses, and determined what progress had been achieved. Now that the Millennium Programme has ended, some priorities for the future development of the BCUF are also identified.