ON July 4, the UK will go to the polls to vote in the General Election. 

While 2019's race saw the main parties falling over themselves to promise annual tree-planting rates, woodland creation pledges have been noticeable in their absence this time around. 

However, for those of you who will have the sector in mind when heading to vote, there is still plenty to take into account before choosing your future MP. 

Forestry Journal has rated each of the manifestos of the five main parties on their forestry credentials.

But just a note before we begin; we are not including the likes of the SNP and Plaid Cymru due to the sector being devolved. 

Conservatives

Could Rishi Sunak finally deliver 30,000 hectares of new woodland every single year? Could Rishi Sunak finally deliver 30,000 hectares of new woodland every single year? (Image: PA)

The Conservatives pledged to "stick to our tree planting commitments" through its Nature for Climate Funding. This appears to suggest the Tories would once again promise 30,000 hectares annually of new woodland across the UK. 

Also in its manifesto, the party pledged to:

  • Cut planting red tape
  • Introduce forest risk commodities legislation

A few weeks ago, the suggestion that the Conservatives would deliver 30,000 ha annually would have been laughed out of town. However, a modern-day high of 21,000 ha was achieved in the most recent planting season, giving hope that things might finally be on the right track; albeit much of that success was down to SNP-led Scotland and its 15,000 hectares. 

Forestry Journal's ranking: 5/10 

Labour 

Sir Keir Starmer is widely tipped to become the new prime minister Sir Keir Starmer is widely tipped to become the new prime minister (Image: PA)

Labour has promised to create "three new National Forests in England, whilst planting millions of trees and creating new woodlands" in the country.

No specific numbers on trees or woodland hectares promised. No mention of forestry. 

FJ's ranking: 4/10 

Liberal Democrats 

Sir Ed Davey's Liberal Democrat party repeated its 60 million promise of 2019 Sir Ed Davey's Liberal Democrat party repeated its 60 million promise of 2019

The Liberal Democrats were first to publish their manifesto, promising to "plant at least 60 million trees a year".

That could be equivalent to as much as 60,000 ha annually, but it is more likely to be around the 35,000-40,000 mark.

The manifesto added the party wanted to "increase the use of sustainable wood in construction".

FJ's ranking: 6.5/10 

The Green Party of England and Wales 

The Green Party came out on top in our ranking list due to being the only party to advocate for a 'substantial increase in productive forestry'

The only one of the big five parties to explicitly mention the sector, the Green Party of England and Wales didn't outline any specific targets but promised to "advocate for a substantial increase in productive forestry, in addition to increases in woodland".

FJ's ranking: 7/10 

Reform 

Nigel Farage's Reform Party didn't mention trees, woodland, or forestry, but promised to scrap all 'net zero related objectives'

Nigel Farage's Reform Party pledged to 'scrap all net zero related objectives'.

Its manifesto added: "Westminster’s obsession with Net Zero is damaging our livelihoods and the economy."

FJ's ranking: 2/10