Each of the four nations believes that a key ingredient to successful woodland expansion is ensuring that communities feel engaged and are able to have a voice in proposals that might affect the land where they live.
Increasing woodland across the UK is vital for each country’s Net Zero ambitions and for reversing the decline in biodiversity, two of the planet’s biggest crises. Chairing the Taskforce’s meeting, Rural Affairs Secretary of the Scottish Government, Mairi Gougeon said:
“In Scotland we have seen positive steps forward in community engagement by government agencies and the private sector, but I think we can also all acknowledge that there is scope for further improvement.
"I believe that engagement needs to be constructive and based on mutual respect. Landowners need to increase their transparency about how the land will be used and government needs to better demonstrate their decision making process.
“The value of community input, and the local knowledge and expertise it brings, must be fully recognised. Communities' concerns about planting schemes must be heard and addressed where appropriate."
The UK Tree Planting Taskforce was set up to strengthen collaborative working across the UK and to help get millions more trees in the ground.
During the meeting, all four countries agreed that there were many great examples of good practice in community engagement and each country could learn from each other on what has worked well. The countries will work together to share examples to boost best practice and strengthen the resources available for those taking forward tree planting projects.
Another key action is to work with the Forest Communicators Network, to use their expertise in developing targeted forestry communications.
With the Network’s assistance, improved communications can be developed which better inform local communities on the positive aspects of tree planting and how, with local input, these projects can bring more benefits to people.
Andrew Muir, Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs welcomed the community engagement focus of the second meeting of the Taskforce and said:
“The involvement of local communities and the wider public is essential for us to help achieve our tree planting ambitions. I am fully committed to meaningful engagement with local communities to help deliver my department’s priorities, including its tree planting objectives.
“While recent stakeholder engagement indicates overall support for woodland creation it also recognises the many diverse opinions on preferred woodland types and suitable areas for new woodlands. We must all work collaboratively to ensure everyone understands the benefits that woodlands can bring to our economy, biodiversity and public wellbeing.”
Deputy First Minister with responsibly for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“In Wales, we are committed to tackling the nature emergency. Through transparent and inclusive engagement, we aim to meet our climate and biodiversity targets and making sure new woodlands enhance community wellbeing and reflect local priorities.
“Trees bring huge benefits to communities right across Wales. This underlies our commitment to the National Forest for Wales and the work we’re doing with communities across Wales to preserve and create woodlands for future generations to enjoy and cherish as part of Wales's natural legacy.”
Defra Forestry Minister Mary Creagh said:
“The Government was elected on a mandate to protect and restore nature, and this Tree Planting Taskforce was created to oversee the planting of millions of trees across our four nations.
“Trees shade our cities, improve our health and help reduce NHS costs. "We need to work together to ensure everyone - from landowners to local communities – reaps the rewards of woodland creation and can contribute to it.” The UK has around 13% tree cover, with the European average being over 40%. The UK Tree Planting Taskforce is looking at how new woodland can be created in the optimal way, with the help of many external organisations and industry.
The UK’s forests and woodlands are key drivers for fighting climate change by sequestering harmful CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. This natural green powerhouse also provides abundant habitats for boosting biodiversity, as well as creating a better quality environment for healthier lifestyles.
The UK’s forests are also crucial in supporting the UK’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs, many in the more rural areas. Timber is in huge demand in the UK and there is a need to import less as this can have negative consequences on the UK’s carbon footprint.
The UK Tree Planting Taskforce rotates the chairing amongst the countries, with Scotland hosting this most recent meeting. It is reflective of the devolved nature of forestry in the UK and provides a platform for oversight, sharing best practice and identifying barriers on tree-planting in each nation.
