The Strong Roots report, published today (October 14), suggests that the UK government’s Net Zero Strategy, which requires 40,000ha of trees to be planted annually by 2030, is likely to be held back by barriers to domestic tree production, such as the lack of a designated action plan and a shortage of skilled workers.
In 2023/24, Britain planted over 20,000ha of new woodland, the highest in 35 years, yet meeting future planting targets will require strategic support for domestic tree production, which is “the backbone of reaching targets to increase tree cover” according to the report.
Another issue highlighted by the report is the low number of fruit, nut and amenity trees being produced domestically in Britain. These trees play fundamental roles in agroforestry, as well as in city streets and gardens.
Increasing domestic tree production will improve biosecurity by reducing the need for imports, which can bring with them an increased risk of tree pests and disease. Managing pests and disease is estimated to cost the UK economy £6.1m a year.
As well as reducing the bill for biosecurity, increasing domestic tree production has untapped benefits for the UK economy, according to the report. In 2023, Britain imported £280m-worth of trees and shrubs.
The report stresses the essential role trees play in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change and enhancing wellbeing, and makes recommendations to the government on how to increase availability of home-grown trees across England, Scotland and Wales.
Recommendations from the report include an action plan for British tree production, increased support for British tree growers and more diversity in trees being produced within the UK.
“All three British governments have ambitious annual targets to increase tree cover,” said Rebecca Gosling, lead policy advocate at the Woodland Trust.
“England’s Environmental Improvement Plan sets a legally binding goal of expanding tree cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050. This level of tree planting, which is vital in the fight against climate change, simply won’t be possible unless there is co-ordinated support for the British tree production industry.
“Support is especially critical to maintain and boost British production of rootstock and standard trees. We want to see the government address this with an action plan for British tree production.”
“The Strong Roots report is the result of a strong and unique collaboration, shaped by the expertise of HTA members in UK tree production,” said Sally Cullimore, technical and trade policy manager at the Horticultural Trades Association.
“The UK tree sector is a key part of environmental horticulture, which presents a real opportunity for governments across all British nations to commit to genuine green growth – growth literally rooted in the hands of UK tree producers.
“This report lands when the sector urgently needs certainty and confidence, indeed, in recent months, many businesses are reporting new, sharper challenges. It is critical that the government and policymakers recognise that trees cannot be grown overnight. This report provides an important foundation for continuing, expediting and widening the conversation and action. The government must address current market conditions and rebuild confidence for the future.
“Tree producers are part of a sector that contributes £38bn to the UK economy. Swift and consistent action on the expert recommendations in this report will be vital to supporting the businesses that grow the trees our landscapes, communities, environment, and economy need for the future.”
“The National Trust is playing its part with ambitious plans to establish 20 million new trees by 2030 for the benefit of people, climate and nature,” said John Deakin, the National Trust’s head of trees and woodland. “But in order for us and others to achieve such goals, it is crucial that there is government investment in and support for reliable, sustainable and biosecure tree production in the UK”.
“The benefits of investing in domestic tree production in the UK are clear, both economically and in building climate resilience,” added Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS director of science and collections.
“By growing more trees locally, we can better support national efforts – including those of the nation’s gardeners – to adapt to and mitigate climate change while also creating skilled jobs and boosting innovation across the horticultural and forestry sectors. This report shows that targeted investment, research and innovation are essential to unlocking the full potential of British tree production.”
