Communities to get tree planting boost as funding scheme doubles to £2.5m

Fran Barnes, chief executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: “Bringing more trees into parks, streets, schools and community spaces is a practical investment in healthier, more resilient places and recognises the vital role that trees and green spaces play in everyday life.

“As our climate changes, trees and plants are becoming essential green infrastructure. They help cool our towns and cities during periods of extreme heat, improve air quality, reduce flood risk, support biodiversity and create greener, healthier environments for people to live and work. Expanding tree planting into the places where people spend their daily lives, and, more importantly, maintaining them, will deliver lasting environmental, economic and wellbeing benefits.

“But planting is only one part of the picture. To deliver these ambitions over the long term, Government must also provide the confidence for UK growers to invest in expanding domestic tree production. A strong homegrown supply chain is essential if we are to meet future planting targets while strengthening biosecurity, creating skilled jobs and supporting rural businesses.

“The environmental horticulture sector stands ready to help deliver the Government’s ambitions. By combining investment in community planting with a long-term strategy to grow more trees here in the UK, we can build greener, cooler and more resilient communities for generations to come.”