Friday 19 June 2020

Government launches consultation to accelerate tree planting and improve woodland management

The government has launched a consultation to inform a new England Tree Strategy in order to accelerate tree planting and improve the management of existing trees and woodlands.

It hopes farmers, foresters, land managers, experts, environmental organisations and members of the public will give their views on the future creation and management of the nation's trees, woodlands and forests.

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

The government is asking for views on how to expand, protect and improve public and private trees and woodlands, explore the increased roles trees and woodlands can play in supporting the economy, work out how to further connect people to nature and find a way to create and manage woodlands to effectively tackle climate change.

The government emphasises tree planting can help reduce carbon emissions, encourage biodiversity, grow the sustainable timber market and improve health.

Forestry Minister Lord Goldsmith, said: “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.”