According to a new report produced by the Woodland Trust, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the government climate change and biodiversity targets will not be met without support and an action plan.. 

Without greater support for domestic tree production, the Net Zero Strategy targets will fall short, claims the Strong Roots report, due to a lack of designated action plan and a shortage of skilled workers. 

In 2023/24, Britain planted over 20k hectares of new woodland, but meeting further future targets will require strategic support for domestic tree production:

“This is the backbone of reaching targets to increase cover,” explains the report. 

Increasing domestic tree production will improve biosecurity by reducing the need for imports, which come with a risk of pests and disease. 

Sally Cullimore, technical and trade policy manager at the HTA comments on the importance of the new report:

“This report provides an important foundation for continuing, expediting and widening the conversation and action. The government must address current market conditions and rebuild confidence for the future.”

Recommendations include an action plan for British tree production, increased support for British tree growers and more diversity in trees being produced within the UK. The report can be found here.