THE new forestry minister has pledged to uphold the government’s plans to plant nearly 30,000 hectares of new woodland each year. 

Trudy Harrison, who replaced Lord Goldsmith in the role during a tumultuous few weeks at DEFRA in October, has said she will work closely with industry bodies to ensure the targets are met. 

As part of its 2019 manifesto, the Conservative Party pledged to hit the planting goal by the end of the current parliament. However, fewer than 14,000 ha were planted in the 12 months prior to March, with Scotland making up nearly 10,500 ha of that total. 

READ MORE: Trudy Harrison: Will the new forestry minister make any difference?

Speaking for the first time since assuming her role, the Copeland MP said: “I will be working to uphold this government’s commitment to protect and restore our natural environment and achieve net zero by 2050 through our ambitious tree-planting programmes. 

“I look forward to working closely with the Forestry Commission, as well as across the sector, to ensure the resilience of our treescapes for generations to come, whilst growing the economy through greater domestic timber production and new green jobs.”

Ms Harrison’s appointment has been welcomed by industry figures, and it is hoped the fact her constituency forms part of the Lake District will stand her in good stead. 

She added: “Trees, forests and woodlands are at the heart of our natural landscapes and local communities. 

Forestry Journal: Ms Harrison replaced Zac Goldsmith in the role Ms Harrison replaced Zac Goldsmith in the role (Image: FJ)

“With an estimated asset value of £175 billion, they are a vital economic resource, a nature-based means of carbon sequestration and flood management, and havens for people to connect with nature and improve their health and wellbeing.”