As the Natural Capital
Committee has published its
report on using nature-based interventions to reach net zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the Country Land and
Business Association (CLA) has issued the following
statement.
Mark Bridgeman, President of the CLA, said:
“It is absolutely the case that the right type of tree must be
planted in the right place. This ethos protects biodiversity,
supports productive farm land and helps reduce carbon emissions.
“Tree planting on a large scale is absolutely necessary, and with
the right support and guidance from Government agencies,
landowners can play a major role in improving the environment.
This can partly be delivered by integrating trees with farming
through hedgerows, copses and agroforestry practices; this can
have multiple benefits for carbon, wildlife, water management, as
well as supporting farmer’s ability to provide food for the
country. It will take time but, with good information and advice
and the right incentives, it can happen.
“There are already processes in place that mean that any new
woodland creation over a certain area needs to have and
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is a way to ensure
that there is no damage to sensitive habitats.
“You improve soil by taking good care of it – reducing ploughing
and using organic manure for example. You do not just give up and
stop farming the land – particularly at a time when the country
is becoming increasingly reliant on high quality, locally
produced food.”
ENDS
