A VAST new woodland could be created next to a housing estate if Conservative councillors get their way.

Brighton and Hove Tories have revealed plans to plant as many as 8,000 trees next to Carden Park in Brighton in a bid to create a new forest.

The wood, next to Hollingbury Industrial Estate. would contain a “bee bank” and chalk grassland managed by Brighton and Hove City Council officers.

Patcham councillor Cllr Lee Wares said his plans would “go right to the heart of tackling climate change” if approved by city councillors.

“This is a significant project that would result in the largest woodland planted from scratch being undertaken in the city for decades,” he said. The ability to plant so many trees and provide the conditions and habitat for flora and fauna across the whole site will create an area of biodiversity we all want to see.

“This also provides an opportunity to bring the natural environment right into the middle of our built environment that will be accessible to everybody.”

Fellow Patcham Conservative Councillor Carol Theobald said a new wood would transform low-quality grassland into a rich world of flora and fauna.

“The plan is to have walkways mown between the trees and bee banks so that everybody can be right in the middle of nature,” she said.

“We would also provide screening by the industrial estate to soften the view and link up with the community centre.

“This project will provide an area that will not only be beautiful to enjoy but it will help towards tackling the climate emergency.”

Meanwhile Councillor Alistair MacNair hoped Carden Hill Primary School would be involved with the wood if it was approved.

“Hopefully we will be able to get our Year 1 pupils to come up with a name for the woods and watch it grow alongside them,” he said.

“This will provide a new space for people to enjoy and put right on our doorstep a rich environment that our schools and children can be involved with.”

The Tories’ plans will be presented to councillors on March 17.

Some of the proceeds from Patcham Duck Fayre will be donated towards the idea, Cllr Wares said.

The news comes after the city council approved plans to “re-wild” Waterhall Golf Course to convert it into chalk grassland.