Maroc - TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 15/Dec 20:39

Tree planting taskforce across the whole of the UK

A tree planting taskforce will overseas the planting of millions of trees across the UK, this will strengthen collaborative work and improve tree planting to ensure the long-term survival of woodland. Source: Timberbiz A new Tree Planting Taskforce has been launched to oversee the planting of millions of trees across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. 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. Top of the agenda at the meeting was how to drive forward the UK’s tree planting in order to meet the collective net zero targets, as part of the Government’s critical mission to make the UK a clean and green energy superpower. The UK has less tree cover than almost anywhere in Europe and more work is needed to close this gap. 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. “This Government was elected on a mandate to protect and restore nature,” Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said. “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.” Currently Scotland has delivered around 75% of all new woodlands in the UK. In 23/24 it created 15,000 ha of new woodland and this accounted for more than 50% of the UK target.  Whilst this is a substantial contribution, there is potential to do more. 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. The Government has launched a rapid review of the Environmental Improvement Plan to ensure it meets its legal targets, including the Environment Act target of 16.5% tree cover by 2050.