Plans to treble tree planting rates over the course of this
Parliament will be set out by the Environment Secretary
this 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, the 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.
Last 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.
