Environment charity bids to encircle London in ‘M25 for nature’

The first phase of the project is expected to focus on the areas in, around and between Epping (above) and Hainault forests. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

An environmental charity is bidding to create an “M25 for nature” that would encircle London in woodland, hedgerows and street trees to boost biodiversity, carbon capture and wellbeing.

The countryside charity CPRE London hopes to weave together existing areas of green belt in the city’s 18 outer boroughs to create an uninterrupted ring of trees around the capital.