FORESTRY leaders from across the industry spectrum have come together to call for all political parties get the UK's tree planting "back on track". 

In a joint move, Confor and the Woodland Trust have demanded the next government injects new investment and policy initiatives into the sector. 

Pointing to a legally-binding target of hitting 16.5 per cent tree cover by 2050, the organisations say progress has stalled, with the UK failing to plant even half of an annual 30,000 hectare commitment in any year since the Conservatives came to power in 2019. 

Stuart Goodall, Confor CEO, said: “All political parties have supported greater tree planting, but we need to accelerate the rate of woodland creation in England. 

"Momentum has been building in recent years, and it’s vital that the next government builds on that and commits the modest sums of money required to unlock huge benefits for jobs, the environment and tackling climate change.”

The organisations are also calling on the new government to protect existing woodlands from the threat of pests, disease and climate change, and to work with them to bring woodland into sustainable management. Only 7 per cent of England’s valuable native woodland is currently in good condition. Urgent funding and cooperation with the sector is needed to support the green jobs caring for the woods and forests we already have.

Dr Darren Moorcroft, Woodland Trust CEO, said: “We need all parties to set out plainly how they are going to meet tree targets, support green jobs and give nature a fighting chance for future generations. With the General Election looming, this is a pivotal moment for woods and trees. 

"Woodland wildlife is still declining, irreplaceable habitats like ancient woods need urgent protection and restoration. 

"Trees are one of the strongest weapons we have to tackle the nature and climate crises, so whoever forms the government after 4 July needs to act for people and the planet." 

Throughout the course of this week (starting June 10), all of the parties are expected to unveil their manifestos, with any forestry-related pledges generally applying to England only due to the devolved nature of the UK.  The Liberal Democrats published their manifesto on Monday, promising to plant "at least 60 million trees per year"; that could be as many as 60,000 hectares annually, depending on the type of woodland being created etc. 

Meanwhile, the Arboricultural Association (AA) has also called on the future government to "keep trees high on the political agenda". 

Forestry Journal: The Liberal Democrats, led by Sir Ed Davey, were first out of the blocks with a published manifesto, promising to plant plant at least 60 million trees a year. That could be the equivalent of as much as 40,000 hectares annually The Liberal Democrats, led by Sir Ed Davey, were first out of the blocks with a published manifesto, promising to plant plant at least 60 million trees a year. That could be the equivalent of as much as 40,000 hectares annually

A statement read: "As the biggest professional body supporting those working with trees, the Arboricultural Association is calling on all parties and candidates to acknowledge the importance of tree care and establishment, and to commit appropriate resources to supporting arboriculture as the professional responsible for the success of the trees in our towns and cities.

"During the 2019 General Election campaign, the major political parties of the UK each promised to plant ever-increasing numbers of new trees. The Arboricultural Association remains pleased that trees —and the many varied benefits they bring to our communities— remain high on the political and public agenda.

"We need to act now so that the benefits of trees are felt today, and by future generations."