Official planting figures show urgent need for more action
PR manager
The Forestry Commission released the updated tree planting stats for 2021 today. The figures are down on last year and demonstrate how much work is needed if we are to hit net zero targets and tackle both the climate and nature crises.
View the latest woodland statistics.
In response to the figures, Dr Darren Moorcroft, CEO at the Woodland Trust said:
"Again, these statistics show how far we are from where we need to be. Earlier this month Government announced new investment for trees and woods in England. To get the most from that money, we need to do more than count trees in the ground. New woodland needs to work with the landscape, delivering for carbon, nature and people. With existing native woods and trees at crisis point, this approach must go hand in hand with protecting the trees we already have from a multitude of threats.
“The Government continues to talk a good fight on protecting nature and expanding woodland. To be meaningful these commitments need to be squared with action. We must ensure our woods are protected and restored, whilst stopping the risk of imported tree disease by sourcing and growing the trees we plant from this country. This approach is essential if we're to tackle the nature and climate crises together.”
Notes to editors
For further information, please contact Steve Marsh in the Woodland Trust press office at stevemarsh@woodlandtrust.org.uk or on 01476 602 993.
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.
The Trust has three key aims:
- protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable
- restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life
- plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering over 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free.