Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted
Current tree planting rates remain significantly below national targets
Conclusion
We are concerned about the current rate of tree planting. In 2022–23, tree planting rates across the UK were at similar levels to the previous four years and remained below half the rate required to meet the overall target of 30,000 hectares per year by March 2025. At this rate it is extremely unlikely that current tree planting targets for England or the UK will be met. (Paragraph 50) 76 Seeing the wood for the trees: the contribution of the forestry and timber sectors to biodiversity and net zero goals
Government Response Summary
The government responded to concerns about tree planting rates by highlighting a significant increase in England's planting in 22/23, the highest in a decade, and a strong pipeline, stating it considers this positive progress towards targets.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Tree planting is a devolved policy area. For England, the 22/23 statistics show an almost 1,000 hectare increase in woodland creation and planting of trees outside of woodlands compared to the previous year, with over 3,600 hectares of tree planting. This represents the highest level of tree planting in England for almost a decade. Funding from the Nature for Climate Fund (NCF) directly resulted in over 2,400 hectares of tree planting. This is over double the amount supported by the NCF in the previous year. This positive trend represents significant progress in achieving our targets and we have a strong pipeline for the coming years. UK and England-level woodland cover will be reported on annually through the Forestry Statistics publications, with progress against the statutory tree canopy and woodland cover target reported at least every five years. Planting projections to 2050 are included in the Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry Green House Gas emissions projections that reflect funded and/or legislated policy. These projections are used in the energy and emissions projections that are published annually by DESNZ. We will continue to work with the Devolved Administrations to deliver this UK-wide step change in tree planting and establishment.