Friday, July 4, 2025
The UK’s forestry industry has expressed optimism following a notable rise in tree planting efforts in England, marking a significant milestone in woodland creation. According to recent figures, the area dedicated to tree planting has increased from 4,550 hectares in 2023/24 to 5,770 hectares in 2024/25, a jump of over 25%. This progress is being hailed as a promising start, with a particular focus on increasing the planting of productive conifer species, essential for long-term timber security and supporting UK climate targets.
John Bruce, National Manager for England at Confor, the forestry and wood trade body, welcomed the figures. He stated, “We’re not just planting more woodland; we’re starting to see some improvement in the balance of what’s being planted.” Bruce highlighted the importance of ramping up the creation of conifer forests to reduce the UK’s dependence on imported timber and promote sustainable construction practices. The UK still imports about 75% of its timber, making the cultivation of home-grown timber more critical than ever.
Fast-growing conifers saw a particularly significant rise in planting, up by 58%, from 430 hectares to 680 hectares for the same period. The emphasis on conifer species aligns with national strategies aiming for greener construction and less reliance on overseas timber supplies.
Government Support and Policy Direction
The UK Government’s endorsement of the Timber in Construction Roadmap and the National Wood Strategy for England has provided a clear pathway for more productive forestry. These strategies underscore the need for increased domestic timber production, particularly softwoods, which make up about 95% of the timber used in the UK.
“Forestry Minister Mary Creagh MP has given her backing to two important documents, the National Wood Strategy for England and the Timber in Construction Roadmap – and understands the need for much more home-grown timber,” Bruce added. However, the gap between policy and practice remains significant, and experts urge that more needs to be done to meet the growing demands of the industry.
Positive Signals for Productive Planting
Bruce also pointed to positive moves by the Forestry Commission, which has committed to ensuring that 30% of all new planting is conifer woodland. Recent data shows a slight improvement in this figure, from 9% to 12%, yet Bruce believes there is still much to be done. He commended the Commission’s efforts in mapping areas for woodland creation and tightening decision-making timetables.
The successful approval of large-scale productive planting schemes, such as Greencroft Forest Park in County Durham, demonstrates that substantial projects can be executed, setting a precedent for future woodland creation. The industry is increasingly confident that such schemes will provide long-term benefits, combining productive forestry with environmental goals.
Challenges Ahead for Scotland and Other Regions
While the figures in England are positive, the overall UK planting numbers saw a decline due to a significant fall in Scotland, reducing the total planting area from 20,660 hectares in 2023-24 to 15,690 hectares in 2024-25. In Wales and Northern Ireland, tree planting also saw slight increases.
Bruce noted, “Despite the UK-wide fall, this remains the second highest annual planting total in over two decades. In England, the challenge now is to maintain momentum by increasing the creation of productive forests with more conifer species, designed to high environmental standards.”
The Way Forward: A Call for Collaboration and Investment
The UK’s long-term timber security depends on both public and private sectors working together to remove barriers to productive forestry investment. “A step change would require considerable investment to deliver the quality and scale of productive forests needed,” Bruce emphasized. He believes that partnerships between governmental bodies and private investors are crucial to unlocking the full potential of productive forestry.
Bruce further stressed the importance of integrating productive elements into large woodland creation initiatives. “Schemes of this magnitude should reflect the economic and environmental benefits that productive woodlands can deliver, not just biodiversity outcomes,” he argued. The integration of timber production with other environmental goals, such as climate change mitigation, can offer a sustainable solution for the UK’s forestry challenges.
The forestry sector’s recent progress in tree planting presents a positive outlook, though experts stress the need for a continued focus on productive, conifer-based woodlands. Meeting the government’s timber security and climate objectives will require sustained effort, strategic planting, and collaborative investments across the sector. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether these encouraging signs can evolve into the widespread, productive forests that the UK’s economy and environment need.
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