Plans to treble tree planting rates over the
course of this Parliament will be set out by the Environment
Secretary next week.
In a speech that will outline the government’s
ambitions to create more woodlands, protect our peatlands and
boost biodiversity, he will set out how new measures to increase
tree planting will form a central pillar in the efforts to reach
net zero emissions by 2050.
Under the new target, approximately 7,000 hectares of woodlands
will be planted per year by the end of this Parliament (May 2024)
alongside new initiatives to improve the health of our trees,
create more woodlands in cities, and deliver thousands of green
jobs as we build back greener from the pandemic.
The increase in woodland creation rates will be backed up by new
funding for tree nurseries to improve our domestic tree
production and maintain high levels of biosecurity. This will
ensure the trees we plant now are healthy and resilient to the
impacts of changing climate and increasing threats from pests and
diseases.
Launching the plan, Environment Secretary is expected to say:
“We are putting plans in place to treble woodland creation rates
by the end of this Parliament, reflecting England’s contribution
to meeting the UK’s overall target of planting 30,000 hectares
per year by the end of this Parliament. We will make sure that
the right trees are planted in the right places and that more
green jobs are created in the forestry
sector.”
He will also outline the importance of nature for people and
society, saying:
“The events of the last twelve months have led people to
appreciate the difference that nature makes to our lives more
than ever before. There is an increased awareness of the link
between our own health, and economic prosperity, and that of the
planet– as highlighted by the recent Dasgupta Review of the
economics of biodiversity.”
Details of how the government will deliver the new target will be
set out in an England Trees Action Plan, which will outline how
we will create the diverse woodlands we need, through processes
such as natural regeneration, where woodlands are restocked by
trees which grow from seeds which naturally fall and germinate
there, as well as programmes of tree planting.
The Action Plan aims to see the current planting trends for
woodlands made up of mostly native broadleaf trees continue,
given the additional benefits they provide for nature by
supporting native insects, birds and other animals.
The Environment Secretary’s speech on Tuesday will take place at
an event chaired by the Wildlife Trusts where speakers will also
include Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, and Sir William
Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission.
Earlier this week, the government marked less than six months to
go before the UK hosts the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of
the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow later this year. In the run up to
the summit, the UK is focused on four goals to drive progress:
securing global net zero, protecting communities and natural
habitats from the impacts of climate change, mobilising finance
and working together to accelerate action.
