UK’s native woodlands reaching crisis point

The UK’s native woodlands are reaching a crisis point, with just 7% in good condition, according to the first comprehensive assessment of their health by the Woodland Trust of which I am a supporter and member.

The report’s key findings are as follows:

Woodland cover is gradually increasing, but woodland wildlife is decreasing. The trends for the UKs woods and trees are concerning. The UK’s woodland cover has more than doubled in the last 100 years but much of this is non-native trees. Existing native woodlands are isolated, in poor ecological condition and there has been a decline in woodland wildlife.

Woods and trees are vital for a healthy, happy society. They lock up carbon to fight climate change, improve our health, well-being and education, reduce pollution and flooding and support people, wildlife and livestock.
 
Woods and trees are subject to a barrage of coinciding threats. Threats range from direct woodland loss to more insidious influences from climate impacts, imported diseases, invasive plants, mammal browsing and air pollutants.

Not nearly enough is being done. The report is a loud and clear warning sign that more needs to be done to protect and expand our woods and trees. We urgently need to scale up the many inspiring initiatives to create native woods, put more individual trees back in the landscape, and restore damaged woods.

As a result of these findings and in order to help the UK’s woods, trees, wildlife and people, the Woodland Trust recommends the following priority actions:

Expand woodland tree cover. We need to at least quadruple the current rate of woodland creation and increase the proportion of UK-grown native species to help tackle the effects of climate change and give nature a fighting chance of recovery.

Enhance and protect existing woods and trees. Enable native woods and trees to become a source of widespread nature recovery and improve people’s lives.

Improve the evidence. Inventories of ancient woods and trees need to be frequently undertaken as well as regular assessment of important wildlife sites. Data gaps need filling and there needs to be systematic woodland and tree monitoring. 

Invest in the future. Time, money, people and innovation are needed to take on the challenge and create opportunities for woods and trees.

The report from the Woodland Trust says that the high-profile drive to create new woodlands is important but would count for little if existing woodlands are lost. In any case, the report says, rates of tree planting are nowhere near what is needed and less than half of the new trees are native species.

Trees should play an important role in helping the UK tackle the climate emergency and restore wildlife in one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. They can also provide services such as reduced flooding and shade as well as being important for many people’s well-being.

Whilst woodland has nearly tripled since 1900, half of this is forestry plantations that support relatively little biodiversity. At around 12% to 15%, the UK still has one of the lowest areas of woodland and forest cover in Europe, Finland and Sweden having around 72% and 69% respectively …. see European countries by forest area . I have travelled throughout much of western and eastern Europe and the UK’s lack of woodland and forest cover is starkly apparent compared with all the other countries that I have visited (the Netherlands and Iceland being the only exceptions).

In December, the UK’s Climate Change Committee said that 2 billion new trees would be needed by 2050, increasing the coverage to 18% of the country and requiring a tripling of the growth rate.

Abi Bunker, the Director of Conservation at the Woodland Trust, said: “It’s reaching crisis point. The warning signs are loud and clear. If we don’t tackle the threats facing our woods and trees, we will severely damage the UK’s ability to address the climate and nature crises. Green spaces that are rich in wildlife, bird song and blossom are also intrinsically linked to our own health and wellbeing.”

See also .... "Trees for Tom"

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