A new Tree Planting Taskforce has been launched by the government to oversee the planting of millions of trees across the UK.
The Taskforce, chaired by the forestry ministers from the four nations, brings together representatives from key arm’s-length bodies and delivery partners from across the UK.
Top of the agenda at the Taskforce’s first meeting was how to drive forward the UK’s tree planting in order to meet 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 nation’s woodlands and trees are essential to supporting wellbeing and improving quality of life, alongside providing sustainable timber and being home to some of our most important species.
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.
Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said: ”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.”
Richard Stanford, Chair of the Forestry Commission, 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.”
