Reaction: Planting Statistics: New tree planting figures are “failing future generations” - Confor

The forestry industry criticised governments across the UK for “failing future generations” following the publication of “incredibly disappointing” woodland creation figures.

Planting rates fell across the UK, with a total of just 13,480 hectares (ha) of new woodland planted in the year to 31 March - a drop from 15,690 ha in 2024-25, and less than half of the UK annual target of 30,000 ha.

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of forestry and wood trade body Confor, said: “This year’s planting figures are incredibly disappointing and have to serve as a wake-up call to every government across the UK. Planting figures are down in every country and have dropped around a third from the high of 20,000 ha in 2023/24. The UK aspiration of 30,000 hectares has been missed by miles - despite acknowledgment by politicians of all parties that a rapid increase in woodland creation is vital to meet policy goals for climate change, rural economic growth, green jobs and new housebuilding. By missing the targets, we are failing future generations - these figures will not help deliver timber security and will not provide the jobs, new homes, and economic growth our population needs.”