Resilient, productive forests are the cornerstone of a thriving future. When forests can recover from storms, fires and climate change, they can safeguard wildlife, produce sustainable homegrown timber and remain wonderful places to enjoy.
The most urgent long‑term threat facing forests is ecosystem collapse. This is when multiple pressures mean forests can no longer survive. Without action, this collapse would undermine timber security, rural industries and England’s landscapes.
Our response: powering growth with resilient forests in healthy landscapes
Over the next five years, we will:
- invest in skills, science and long-term planning.
- grow forests that are resilient to extreme weather, pests and disease.
- diversify species and innovate how forests are managed.
- produce millions of tonnes of high‑quality, sustainable homegrown timber that supports green growth.
We treat the nation’s forests as strategic national infrastructure, delivering essential benefits for people, the economy and the environment.
Measuring success
By 2031, success will look like:
- the nation's forests will be more resilient to threats of climate change, disease, biodiversity loss and social pressures. Guided by the latest science, we will have embedded our forest resilience principles into every long-term Forest Plan as they are updated.
- a thriving green economy supported by the nation’s forests, supplying 5.5 million cubic metres of certified, high‑quality timber that sustains critical supply chains, rural businesses and long‑term financial resilience.
- 5,000 hectares of new climate‑resilient woodland established, more than doubling recent planting rates to increase timber supply, boost biodiversity, improve access and support health and wellbeing.
- a secure supply of climate‑resilient tree seed created, with new orchards producing seed for species such as Norway spruce, Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, strengthening the genetic foundations of future forests.
- Westonbirt and Bedgebury recognised globally as leaders in tree science and conservation, driving research, innovation and action to protect tree species and build climate resilience.
- maintain and increase the amount of carbon stored in the nation's forest, recognising their importance as a vital carbon sink, and ensuring our management practices take into account the impacts on carbon sequestration and storage, particularly in soils.
