Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Rejected
Divide overall tree planting targets into sub-categories for specific goals
Recommendation
In order to give the forestry sector greater clarity, we recommend that following the development of the Land Use Framework, the Government divide its overall tree planting targets into sub-categories for the types of woodland needed to achieve different goals. These targets should be underpinned by the clear, holistic long-term vision common to the timber and forestry sectors which we recommend above. (Paragraph 53) Delivery of tree planting
Government Response Summary
The government rejected dividing statutory tree planting targets into sub-categories, citing delivery confidence, but stated a 2028 review would provide an opportunity to reconsider non-statutory sub-targets. They affirmed using policy and incentives to encourage a range of woodland types.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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.