By the end of this strategy’s life in 2031, the nation’s forests will stand at the heart of England’s nature recovery. They will be richer in wildlife than they are today.
Fully functioning ecosystems are critical for a thriving country. When large, connected forests flourish, they power a healthier society through securing clean air, fresh water and climate resilience.
England has lost almost 70% of its wildlife since 1970. At Forestry England, we have a positive vision and will take decisive action to reverse these declines.
Our response: connecting forests through collaboration
Over the next five years, we will:
- shift from fragmented projects to large‑scale landscape restoration.
- connect forests so wildlife can move, adapt and thrive.
- collaborate with neighbours and partners to multiply ecological benefits.
- shape the environmental improvement plan and national estate for nature.
Measuring success
By 2031, success will look like:
- more protected sites, habitats, ancient woodlands, monuments and wild landscapes restored, creating strongholds for nature’s recovery, with at least 50% of Natural England actions for SSSIs identified, agreed and on track.
- the restoration of plantations on ancient woodland sites (PAWS) doubled.
- the natural capital value of the nation’s forests increased, supported by transparent reporting that sets a global benchmark.
- 15,000 hectares of connected nature networks established, enabling wildlife movement, improving soil health, restoring waterways and strengthening ecosystems against pests and disease.
- key species thriving and expanding their range, including pine martens across 100,000+ hectares and beavers reintroduced to half of our river catchments.
- 38,000 hectares managed using wilding principles, with natural processes shaping landscapes and strong partnerships restoring ecosystems at a landscape scale.
