Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 52
Apportioning tree-planting targets by desired outcomes crucial for balance
Conclusion
To ensure that the nation’s woodlands help to deliver the Government’s ambitions for nature, carbon storage and timber production, several stakeholders have called on the Government to apportion tree-planting targets in line with desired outcomes, to ensure that the right balance of outcomes is achieved from woodland creation. We agree. This initiative could also give the forestry sector and investors clearer direction as to the sort of woodlands which ought to be created under the policy.
Government Response Summary
The government stated that statutory sub-targets for tree planting were considered but rejected for delivery confidence; however, it will use policy and incentives to encourage a range of woodland types to meet targets.
Paragraph Reference:
52
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
When setting the statutory tree planting target, the inclusion of statutory sub-targets was considered but to improve delivery confidence a single undifferentiated target was set. The second review of the 25 Year Environment Plan in 2028, a requirement set out in the Environment Act 2021 will provide the opportunity to review the target alongside reporting on the interim target, the baseline for which was based on provisional data. While we could consider sub-targets, these would not be statutory and it would be important to ensure that setting sub-target would not impede the ability to respond flexibly to changing policy priorities for woodland. A transparent picture of the contribution from each planting type towards the target is provided through the Forestry Commission’s statistics. We will use policy and incentives to encourage the planting of a range of woodland types we want to see (broadleaved, conifer and mixed) to meet the targets. The actions we are taking through the England Trees Action Plan, the suite of targets being released – including biodiversity targets – and the UK Forestry Standard will act as drivers for woodland planting, ensure the woodlands we create are mixed, and increase the resilience of our woodlands that are used for timber.