Correspondence

eAlert: 18 May 2021 - England Trees Action Plan launches

Published 18 May 2021

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland
• Publication for Scotland
• Publication for Wales

1. Nature Week

1.1 Today the Environment minister George Eustice visited Delamere Forest to set out the governments plans to restore nature and to safeguard our environment.

As part of nature week the minister has announced a number of new measures to tackle climate change and the biodiversity crisis and deliver our net zero commitment. He has also announced amendments to the Environment Bill to help halt the decline of nature.    We are very pleased to say that he also announced a number of measures directly relating to forestry:

1.2 Plans to treble the tree planting rates in England this parliament

This will be funded through the Nature for Climate fund which has £500 million of support. We will help support this through a major new multimillion pound tree planting grant – the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) - this will provide greater financial incentives for landowners and farmers to plant and manage trees. You can read more about EWCO below.

1.3 New community forests

Through Trees for Climate, at least three new community forests will be created to allow more people to be closer to nature and enable the planting of 6,000 hectares of new woodland by 2025.

1.4 Extending the Urban Tree Challenge Fund

Providing further investment to support the planting and establishment of trees in urban areas.  

1.5 Providing additional funding as part of the Local Authority Treescapes Fund

To plant trees outside of woodlands for the benefit of local communities.  

1.6 Expanding the size of the nation’s forests

By working with public and private land owners to create new woodlands under Forestry England’s management and through Forestry England’s Woodland Creation Partnership.   

Also announced today is the England Peat Action Plan - an integrated plan for the management, protection and restoration of our upland and lowland peatlands, so that they deliver benefits for nature and the climate.

2. How will we deliver these targets?

This will all be set out in the England Trees Action Plan, which will outline how we will create the diverse woodlands we need, through processes such as natural regeneration, where woodlands are restocked by trees which grow from seeds which naturally fall and germinate there, as well as programmes of tree planting.

The Action Plan aims to see the current planting trends for woodlands made up of mostly native broadleaf trees continue, given the additional benefits they provide for nature by supporting native insects, birds and other animals.

3. Introducing the England Woodland Creation Offer: our flagship grant offer

4. Announced today.

Today our Chair, Sir William Worsley announced the new flagship grant scheme - the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO). The scheme for farmers and landowners, will support the creation of a range of woodland types and sizes, including through natural colonisation, and especially where their location and design will provide public benefits.      Speaking today at Delamere Forest, Forestry Commission Chair, Sir William Worsley, said:      > It is crucial that we act now to ensure that we leave our environment in a better state for future generations. We need to work towards net zero emissions by 2050; to address biodiversity loss; to better connect people with nature; and to create more green jobs in doing so. Trees are central to the Government’s plans to achieve this, and it is through the ambitious programme of activity set out in the England Trees Action Plan - supported by £500m from the Nature for Climate Fund – that we can realise these huge objectives.   The offer will be open to applications of small areas of land from 1 hectare upwards, providing greater incentives for farmers and landowners to consider tree planting as a sustainable option. The grant is due to launch soon and particularly incentivises the creation of new native woodland, especially where this extends existing priority woodlands or benefits water habitats by planting along rivers, or provides recreational access to the public. More information is available on our England Woodland Creation Offer GOV.UK page which will be updated with further information including guidance and details on how to apply soon.

5. Queens green canopy

5.1 Plant a tree for the Jubilee!

Today’s announcement follows the recently launched Queen’s Green Canopy – a unique initiative which encourages the nation to plant or dedicate a tree for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in summer 2022.

6. Funding for tree nurseries that supply trees to Scotland

6.1 Apply for the Harvesting and Processing grant.

This funding from Defra and the Scottish Government, looks to support tree nurseries in England who supply trees to Scotland. It is part of the national effort as part of the Nature for Climate fund to plant more trees.

Tree nurseries in England can use the funding to go towards seed trays, seed storage and sowing equipment, poly tunnels, cold storage facilities and irrigation systems. Adaptations to vehicles, machinery and premises to allow tree nurseries to continue safely under COVID-19 are also supported.

Find out if you’re eligible for the Harvesting and Processing Grant.