Tree Champion reappointed to continue tree planting push

• Sir William Worsley reappointed for another year
• Government reaffirms need to go further and faster to plant more trees
• Tree Champion calls on landowners and farmers to take up funding available

The chair of the National Forest Company was tasked last year with setting a bold direction for the country’s forests and woodlands over the next 25 years.

Now Sir William is marking his reappointment with a call to land owners, farmers and foresters across the country to take up the mantle of tree planting by accessing the Government’s Woodland Creation Grant Scheme.

Through this fund, which is now open for applications all year round, planting grants of up to £6,800 are available to help landowners realise the benefits of expanding woodland cover.

The creation of a Tree Champion was a key commitment of the Government’s flagship 25 Year Environment Plan and since being appointed Sir William has worked with Defra and the Forestry Commission to implement a number of initiatives to grow woodland cover. This includes the £10 million Urban Tree Challenge Fund which was announced last month and will see 130,00 urban trees planted across England’s towns and cities.

Government Tree Champion Sir William Worsley said:

“Trees transform our cities, connect us with the outdoors and help to tackle the impacts of our changing climate. That is why I am delighted to be reappointed as the government’s Tree Champion so I can continue my drive to ensure future generations enjoy a landscape rooted with trees.

“Now I am calling on land owners across the country to help me by taking up our woodland creation grants and tapping into the environmental and economic benefits of planting more trees.”

The Tree Champion will continue to push forward the government’s ambition to move further and faster on tree planting, with an English Tree Strategy due to be consulted on later this year. He also has already been helping to drive up planting rates in the regions, spearheading the launch of the first Forestry Investment Zone in Cumbria and launching the Urban Tree Manual to help local authorities in their decision making.

Earlier this year the government also consulted on a raft of forestry measures which included proposals to give communities a better say in protecting street trees.

Forestry Minister David Rutley said:

“I am happy to reappoint the Tree Champion for another year, and applaud his drive and determination over the past year to champion the importance of our precious woodlands.

“The role trees play in combatting climate change and improving our health and wellbeing cannot be underestimated, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with Sir William Worsley over the coming year.”

The Countryside Stewardship Woodland Creation grant is open for applications all year round. Farmers, land managers and foresters are encouraged to submit full applications at least five months before they plan to plant woodland, to give themselves the best chance of receiving an agreement when they need it.

By planting more trees and creating new woodland, landowners in England can help to prevent flood risk and contribute to the sustainability of the wider landscape and provide a range of other ecosystem benefits such as carbon capture, soil conservation and biodiversity.

The government has guaranteed that any agreements where funding has been agreed before the end of 2020 will be funded for their full lifetime, even in a no-deal scenario.