Government outlines plans to accelerate tree planting

The government has launched a consultation to develop plans to accelerate tree planting and improve the management of the UK's existing trees and woodlands.

Everyone is being invited to give their views on the future creation and management of our trees, woodlands and forests. Subject to consultation, the new England Tree Strategy will set out policies to expand tree cover, support woodland management and increase public engagement with trees and woodlands.

The move will help ensure the government’s tree planting commitment – to increase tree planting to 30,000 hectares per year across the UK by 2025 - is delivered, working closely with the devolved administrations, communities and landowners to do so.

Therefore, the government is asking for views on: how to expand, protect and improve our public and private trees and woodlands; the increased role that trees and woodlands can play in supporting the economy; how best to further connect people to nature; and the most effective way in which trees and woodlands can be created and managed to help combat climate change.

Forestry Minister Lord Goldsmith said: "In many ways the coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the importance of nature. Growing and protecting our nation’s forests will be an integral part of our recovery, and the England Tree Strategy will give us the tools to do this.

"This consultation will help inform a keystone strategy which will be vital for helping us deliver the government’s tree planting commitment, our commitment to the recovery of nature and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. But, we need input from the sector and public. I encourage everyone to give their views to design a tree strategy that delivers the maximum benefits for our environment for generations to come."

In the March Budget, Defra welcomed the new Nature for Climate Fund from HM Treasury. The England Tree Strategy will help inform how elements of this £640 million fund will be used to deliver against the manifesto tree planting commitments, alongside peatland restoration and wider nature recovery.

The England Tree Strategy will be developed in parallel with other key strategies that flow from the 25 Year Environment Plan. These include the recent Tree Health Resilience Strategy and the forthcoming England Peat Strategy and Nature Strategy, as well the future Environmental Land Management Scheme which will operate on the basis of providing public payments for public goods.