A new Tree Planting Taskforce has been launched to oversee the planting of millions of trees across the UK.
The Taskforce, chaired by the forestry ministers from the four nations, brought together representatives from key arm’s-length bodies and delivery partners from across the UK.
Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said, “This government was elected on a mandate to protect and restore nature. That is why today I am proud to fulfil our promise to set up a Tree Planting Taskforce that will oversee the planting of millions of trees across our four nations. Trees deliver huge social, environmental and economic benefits - from absorbing carbon dioxide, cooling our cities, improving wellbeing and helping reduce NHS costs, while a thriving forestry sector supports green jobs and drives economic growth.”
Top of the agenda at the meeting was how to drive forward the UK’s tree planting in order to meet the UK’s collective net zero targets.
The UK has less tree cover than almost anywhere in Europe and more work is needed to close this gap. The nation’s woodlands and trees are the heart of communities around the UK, essential to supporting wellbeing and improving quality of life, alongside providing sustainable timber and being home to some of our most important species.
The Taskforce is designed to strengthen collaborative working across the UK, identifying opportunities to work together, to improve tree planting and ensure the long-term survival of woodland, safeguarding their benefits for future generations.
Richard Stanford, Chair of the Forestry Commission said, “There has never been a more crucial time to take action to increase and improve the number of trees, woods and forests growing across the UK for future years. It is vital that our four nations unite and work in partnership on this mission. This new Tree Planting Taskforce, is committed to delivering the shared aims of forestry across the four nations so we can continue to tackle some of society’s biggest challenges with thriving trees, woods and forests.”
Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said, “I welcome the formation of this Taskforce as we all have a collective interest in increasing woodland cover and obtaining the multiple benefits this will bring, especially for climate change and addressing biodiversity loss. Currently Scotland has delivered around 75 per cent of all new woodlands in the UK. In 23/24 we created 15,000 ha of new woodland and this accounted for over 50 per cent of the UK target. Whilst this is a substantial contribution, we know there is potential for us all to do more. The new Taskforce will be a great opportunity for all the countries to share valuable insights and ideas to expand our woodlands and create resilient forests for the future.”
The announcement comes after a commitment in the budget to provide up to £400 million in England across the next two years (2024/5 and 2025/6) for tree planting and peatland restoration.