Economic recovery must be sustainable

Following George Osborne’s announcement today that the economic data is pointing to a modest recovery, the Woodland Trustwould have liked to hear more from the Chancellor on the role of the natural environment in a driving a truly sustainable recovery .

Hilary Allison, Woodland TrustPolicy Directorsaid:

“Once again it appears necessary to remind Government that careful planning to integrate green space including trees and woods into plans for infrastructure growth is integral to shaping places that people want to live, work and invest in.

“We will continue to press Government to ensure it is working in line with the commitments set out at the beginning of the year as part of its new Forestry Policy for England. Today’s announcement that Defra’s budget will be cut further over the next three years places considerable doubt in the Department’s ability to deliver their forestry ambitions.

The recent announcement of a two-year gap in funding for new woodland planting goes against this policy entirely, as does the loss and damage to ancient woodland that will be caused by HS2. It is time for Government to realise that the natural environment - including woods and trees – must be at the heart of a genuinely sustainable recovery and its future depends on decisions made now.”