The Woodland Trust has published its Emergency Tree Plan – the first of its kind and a challenge to governments. This document sets out how the UK can rapidly increase tree cover to help reach net zero carbon emissions and tackle the declines in wildlife. It’s a plan and a way of thinking we’re very supportive of.
The report, titled Emergency Tree Plan for the UK, follows a General Election in which we saw major tree planting pledges from every political party. Now we urgently need to translate political ambitions for trees into action that delivers for wildlife, climate and people.
The Trust says that to increase tree cover the UK needs to “…pursue a mix of approaches, at a variety of scales appropriate to the landscape. These must include expanding native woodland, sustainable commercial plantations, agroforestry, urban trees, hedges and individual countryside trees.”
It also points out that the UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe with just 13% tree cover compared to the European average of 37%. And only 7% of this is native woodland. In order to reach the target of 17-19% tree cover recommended by the Independent Climate Change Committee, trees will need to be planted on an unprecedented scale, but the right trees in the right places are needed.
The Government’s own research shows that 84% of people think wildlife should be a priority in terms of woodland creation and most people are in favour of the Government increasing tree planting.
At Forest & Maker, we are wholly supportive of the Woodland Trust’s aims and objectives of this document. We look forward to playing our part along with our suppliers and partners. As makers of commercial furniture – all made from timber sourced from sustainable sources – it’s in our DNA to support wide-scale tree planting as a solution to climate change. We look forward to seeing progress as it happens – and we will do all we can to support the aims and objectives of the Woodland Trust. Exciting and positive times are ahead.
