Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Accepted
Paragraph: 49
Tree planting and woodland creation are vital for environmental targets and domestic timber supply.
Conclusion
Tree planting and woodland creation are vital for delivering many of the Government’s environmental targets and commitments, as well as providing a domestic source of timber. We therefore support the tree planting targets set by the UK Government and welcome the commitments to increase woodland cover in England made in the Environmental Improvement Plan.
Government Response Summary
The government agreed with the committee's observation, detailing over £675 million in funding, legislative targets, and achieving the highest tree planting rate in England in nearly a decade.
Paragraph Reference:
49
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government agrees that the forestry and timber sectors will be crucial nature-based solutions as we work towards Net Zero and reverse the decline in biodiversity. That is why the Government has already acted or is planning action to address many of the recommendations and the wider points raised. The Government’s England Trees Action Plan (ETAP) sets out our vision for a thriving forest economy which contributes to the local economy of rural communities whilst also meeting our national objectives on climate and nature. Trees provide timber, recreational opportunities, and ecosystem services. Our ETAP, supported by over £675 million of the Nature for Climate Fund, has kickstarted tree planting across England and is moving us towards trebling our tree planting rates. Last year we planted over 3,600 hectares of new woodland and trees outside of woodland. This represents the highest planting rate for nearly a decade and an almost 40% increase in woodland creation and planting of trees outside of woodlands compared to the previous year. We have legislated for a statutory tree and woodland target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover of England to at least 16.5% by 2050. This equates to 250,000 hectares of trees over the next three decades, increasing tree cover in England by an area roughly the size of Cheshire. Achieving the target could sequester 110 million tonnes of CO2 by 2100 and create approximately 100,000 hectares of priority woodland habitat, which contribute directly to the Environment Act biodiversity wildlife-rich habitats target. Existing native woodlands are recognised as priority habitats. Establishing more native broadleaf and mixed woodlands will therefore play an important role in contributing to the broader goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan. This is why the England Woodland Creation Offer includes supplements that incentivise the creation of native woodland with high biodiversity potential.