What is the UK’s forest regeneration scheme?
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Loading... - Omari Hussein
- 23 May 2023
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Environmentalists have heavily criticized a government initiative aimed at regenerating forests, deeming it "pathetic" due to its minimal contribution to expanding tree cover nationwide. The woodland creation offer in England has resulted in a mere 192 hectares (474 acres) of "natural colonisation" over a span of two years, roughly equivalent to the size of Regent's Park, as reported by The Guardian on Monday. Considering the government's target of increasing forest cover in Britain by 30,000 hectares annually by 2025, this achievement seems inconsequential.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) initially had grand aspirations for this project, which involves providing financial support packages to landowners, land managers, and public bodies to aid in reforesting the country. However, the scheme has faced severe criticism. So, what exactly is this forest regeneration scheme, and what are the reasons behind its unfavorable reception?
The forest regeneration scheme, introduced by the government in May 2021, aimed to utilize trees to absorb carbon. The agency involved in the scheme stated, "Your woodland creation scheme could receive up to £13,000 per hectare as support." Landowners, land managers, and public bodies could apply to the England Woodland Creation Offer for assistance in establishing new woodlands, including natural colonisation, even on small areas as small as one hectare.
The scheme was launched based on research that highlighted the benefits of natural colonisation, which refers to the creation of woodlands on land where no forests existed in recent history, as defined by the Forestry Commission. It was considered a straightforward and cost-effective option that promoted the growth of indigenous trees. However, the United Kingdom lags behind its European counterparts with only 13 percent forest cover over its total land area.
In response, Defra has committed to increasing forest cover by 30,000 hectares annually until 2025, with the England Woodland Creation Offer playing a crucial role in achieving this goal. Approximately 14,000 hectares were established in 2021-22.
However, the scheme's performance over the past two years has been met with disappointment. The 192 hectares accounted for less than 4 percent of the total new woodland recorded in England during 2021-22, according to The Guardian. Guy Shrubsole, a prominent forest campaigner, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, "When overgrazing is prevented, trees naturally grow without cost. Therefore, the government's support for a mere 192 hectares of natural regeneration in the past two years is a pitiful outcome. Ministers urgently need to enable the expansion of our ancient woods and temperate rainforests naturally. The hindrance lies in bureaucratic box-ticking that prioritizes counting the number of planted saplings over restoring vibrant ecosystems."
Defra, on the other hand, acknowledged the crucial role played by natural colonisation in increasing woodland cover in England and its positive impact on mitigating climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and delivering broader environmental and social benefits. They emphasized that natural colonisation is available through the England Woodland Creation Offer and other initiatives such as The Northern Forest Woodland Creation Partnerships.
