Deforestation likely? Lowest tree planting figures in England in a generation
The Woodland Trust is appalled by the continued drastic decline in new woodland planting confirmed in official figures today.
The figures released today (page 11) show only 700 ha of woodland was planted in England last year, far below the Government and Forestry Commission aim of 5000ha, with the FC missing its goal by 86% percent. In comparison 2,400ha was planted in 2014-2015, but planting in England has been consistently low, at under 5000ha a year since 2006.
The Trust’s Austin Brady, Director of Conservation and External Affairs said: “These figures are all the more shocking against the backdrop of the growing evidence of the importance of trees and woods in tackling air pollution, improving water quality and offering scope to deliver natural flood management, not to mention what they offer for wildlife and their productive potential for the rural economy. Something is drastically wrong with the way woodland planting is being supported across the various government departments that share responsibility for trees and woods.”
Woodland cover in England stands at just 10 per cent. England is important because it is the stronghold of native broadleaf trees which offer the greatest range of biodiversity benefits. The Government’s aspiration is to work with the forestry sector to achieve 12% woodland cover by 2060. This means an average planting rate of 5000ha a year.
Brady continued: “On top of poor planting rates, woodland losses, and weak protection of ancient woods mean in England, deforestation is highly likely, with some areas of woodland felled or destroyed and not replanted. Despite repeated requests; there is little government effort to accurately quantify the cumulative losses of woodland resulting from planning, infrastructure, tree disease and intensive land use.”
The Trust says the number and variety of native trees being planted must increase if we are to have any hope of heading off serious environmental degradation and combat diseases which threaten millions of trees.
The latest Natural Capital Committee report, by the Government’s own independent advisory body, found planting an extra 250,000ha near towns and cities could generate in excess of £500 million in benefits for society. A 2015 report for the Woodland Trust put the total value of UK woodlands at around £270 billion.
Poor planting figures are partly due to significant delays in FC grant agreements, and low uptake following a change to the system last year. The Trust says more flexible programmes are needed to grant aid both smaller and larger areas of woodland creation and attract a wider range of landowners willing to plant.
The Trust hopes the Government’s forthcoming framework for its 25 year plan for nature will herald a fresh approach, and genuinely new and practical solutions to address these issues.
UK Figures:
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In Scotland, 4,600 ha, 3000ha than last year’s 7,600 ha and again, far short of the 10,000ha target.
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In Wales just 100 ha was planted –the same as last year. The Welsh Government set an aspiration of 100,000 hectares of new woodland by 2030
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In Northern Ireland planting reached just 100 ha in comparison to 200ha last year.
