Five year plan for UK woodlands

The Forestry Commission and Natural England have joined forces with more than 100 organisations, representing woodland owners, forestry businesses, and local communities to create a new 5-year action plan for trees and woodlands in England.

The ultimate goal is that by around 2020 management of the both small, private woods and large commercial forestry will provide greater use of home-grown wood in construction and woodfuel, a healthier landscape for wildlife and an increase in people visiting woodlands for leisure and tourism. The local environment and local communities will be improved with more, high-quality, wooded greenspace close to where people live and a revival of trees in our streets.

Forestry Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “There are more than a million hectares of woodland and forest in England today. Trees make a big difference to people’s quality of life and wellbeing, improving the places where we live, work and play. People need to be able to get involved in planning, managing and looking after their local woodlands and trees, and the plan launched today will help us to make the most of our trees to combat climate change, protect wildlife, and yield other social, economic and environmental benefits.