Dozens of Local Authority Areas have the potential for doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled woodland cover
Environmental campaigners mark National Tree Week (30th November – 6th December) with map of local woodland creation opportunities across the country
Woodland cover in England could be doubled from current national level of 10%, without impact on important habitats and high value farmland
Dozens of Local Authority Areas have the potential for doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled woodland cover
Friends of the Earth and mapping consultancy Terra Sulis, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, have launched the first ever map of existing and potential woodland in every local authority in England.
Ahead of National Tree Week (30th November to 6th December), the mapping shows the possibility of doubling woodland cover in England from its current level of 10% without encroaching on high-value arable farmland, Priority Habitats, peat bogs or protected nature sites. Much of the opportunity for woodland is low grade pastureland, which means it’s crucial that government supports farmers to grow more trees on their land.
Northumberland was found to hold the most promise of any local authority, with 77,000 hectares of potential woodland. The other top opportunity areas for woodland creation included Cornwall (73,000ha), Shropshire (47,000ha), and Eden District (43,000ha). Woodland plans are in place for some of these areas.
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Posted On: 25/11/2020