The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is to welcome Zac Goldsmith, the Minister for the Environment, to answer MPs questions about the government’s large-scale plans for tree planting as part of its carbon net-zero strategy.
Part of the government’s net zero by 2050 strategy involves a commitment, by 2025, to be planting 30,000 hectares of new woodland in the UK per annum.
The devolved administrations have set their tree-planting targets, but England has yet to do so. Some organisations want England to set targets soon, to give a clear sense of direction to the policy. However, other groups have stressed the need to ensure tree planting targets does not have unintended consequences – as there can be a conflict between planting trees and protecting other habitats such as peatland and grassland.
Meeting details
Likely areas of questioning
The evidence session will look at:
- when a clear planting target will be set for England;
- how the plans will ensure the right types of trees are planted in the right places; and
- how the government plans to make sure planting targets are delivered