Government launches Tree Planting Taskforce

The government has launched a taskforce to oversee the planting of millions of trees across the UK, delivering on a pledge made in Labour’s manifesto.

The Tree Planting Taskforce will be chaired by forestry ministers from the four nations, and the announcement follows a commitment in the Budget to allocate up to £400m in England for tree planting and peatland restoration over the next two years.

The government has also initiated a fast-tracked review of the Environmental Improvement Plan to ensure the country meets its legal targets, including the Environment Act goal of 16.5% tree cover by 2050.

See also: Forestry Commission issues new advice for farmers

Forestry minister Mary Creagh said: “Trees deliver huge social, environmental and economic benefits  – 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.”

The UK currently has less tree cover than most European countries, and significant work is needed to address this gap.

The taskforce aims to strengthen collaboration across the UK, identify opportunities to improve tree planting, and ensure the long-term survival of woodlands, preserving their benefits for future generations.

Forestry Commission chair Richard Stanford 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.” 

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