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The economic value of individual trees planted outside our forests and woodlands has been revealed for the first time today (Sunday 4 December) at £3.8 billion. The figures are revealed in a groundbreaking new study published by Forest Research and Defra as part of National Tree Week.
Outside woodland trees are defined as a tree in urban and rural areas and are some of the most iconic trees in our landscape, ranging from classic, single trees spanning hedgerows to single trees lining our streets, accounting for almost a quarter of the trees in Great Britain. Makes. .
The assessment is based on the important role they play in sequestering and storing carbon, regulating temperature, strengthening flood resilience and reducing noise and air pollution. Together, this helps reduce vulnerability to climate change, reduce damage to infrastructure and people from flooding, cool our cities in summer and improve health and well-being.
By quantifying their significant value, the report will help encourage councils, land managers and local communities to plant more trees outside of woodland for the varied and myriad benefits. As outlined in our England Tree Action Plan, this will contribute to wider government efforts to triple the rate of tree planting in England by the end of this Parliament and achieve net zero by 2050.
Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison said:
Today’s groundbreaking research reaffirms the unique value of the non-woodland trees that exist all around us – from the trees lining our streets to dotting our beautiful countryside.
It makes clear that the huge ecological and economic value and value trees bring to society cannot be underestimated. As set out in our England Trees Action Plan, we are committed to increasing the rate of tree planting in England by 2024 and by quantifying the significant value of trees, this research will help promote tree planting in our communities across the country.
Kieron Doike, Head of Forest Research’s Urban Forest Research Group, said:
Trees outside woodlands are all around us: in our gardens, along our roads, in our parks and open green spaces. Understanding their value can help ensure councils and landowners plant more trees and invest in their care so they continue to provide us with their abundant beauty and benefit.
While our assessment of non-woodland trees is significant, we recognize that our research only values a few of the many benefits trees provide. Future research will allow further understanding and enhancement of values as more benefits are included.
Our report shows that trees are a valuable infrastructure asset in multiple land uses, such as one might think of lampposts or gutters. Additionally, it highlights the much greater role mature trees play in benefiting society – compared to their younger counterparts.
Forestry Commission Chief Executive Richard Stanford said:
This first-of-its-kind research shows the dynamics of trees beyond woodland – from solving many of the pressing issues of our time, such as air quality and climate change, to reducing noise and helping people get a good night’s sleep.
This landmark report will inform the continued rollout of our England Tree Action Plan and inform future policy-making. Continuing to make informed decisions based on strong scientific evidence will help us understand the myriad environmental, economic and social benefits trees provide – now and in the future.
The report also estimates that the natural capital value of non-woodland trees in 2020 prices will be between £68.5 billion and £151.5 billion. This represents the value of trees over a century and provides a useful medium compared to other natural assets.
In 2021/22, more than half a million trees were planted outside woodland thanks to government grants such as the Urban Tree Challenge Fund, which boosts deprived urban areas; The Local Authority Treescapes Fund accelerates tree planting in local communities; and the Leveling Up Parks Fund which helps people across England to benefit from spending time in nature.
‘Valuing Non-Woodland Trees’ is available to download free of charge on the Forest Research website.
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