PROJECT REPORT ENGLAND 2023 COMMUNITY FOREST RESTORATION
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Dear friend, Thanks to your support, a total of 1,218,612 trees were planted to restore 1,050 hectares of land across England, UK. Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversity can thrive. None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you! What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in England. I hope you enjoy reading it and truly feel the impact you have made.
OVERVIEW The objective of the England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration project is to restore and enhance existing woodlands, as well as building new forests, thereby creating and protecting improved habitats for people and wildlife. As the trees grow, they will provide a variety of benefits such as improved access to and creation of green spaces, improved air quality, and better soil and water quality. This is a multi-year and co-financed project with the overall goal of creating healthier and more resilient environments for people and nature to coexist.
TREES PLANTED 1,218,612
TREE SPECIES PLANTED 61
PROFESSIONAL CREW STAFF 136
HECTARES REFORESTED 1,012
NEW JOBS CREATED 30
NEW WOODLAND SITES DELIVERED 555
ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED 13
PEOPLE BENEFITED FROM TRAINING 100
WOMEN INVOLVED 30
VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED 50
TREE SPECIES PLANTED Fifty-six tree species and ten shrub species are being planted across England as part of this multi-year, large-scale project. Planting an appropriate mix of native tree species is particularly important in England, where over 80% of ancient woodland has been lost. This has led to a decline in biodiversity and a reduction in the resilience of the landscape to climate change and other threats. The following mix and tree/shrub combination has been accurately designed for each specific planting area.
SPECIES PLANTED THROUGH THIS PROJECT Alder buckthorn - Rhamnus frangula Apples - Malus domestica Aspen - Populus tremula Beech - fagus sylvatica Bird Cherry - Prunus padus Black poplar - Populus nigra Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa Broom - Cytisus scoparius Callery Pear - Pyrus Calleryana Caucasian lime - Tilia x euchlora Cedrus atlantica - Atlas cedar Cherry laurel - Prunus laurocerasus Cherry plum (P. cerasifera) - Prunus cerasifera Common alder - Alnus glutinosa Common lime - Tilia europaea Common Walnut - Juglans regia Corsican pine - Pinus nigra laricio Crab apple - Malus sylvestris Crack willow - Salix fagilis Dog rose - Rosa Canina Dogwood - Cornus Sanguinea Douglas Fir - Pseudotsuga menziesii Downy birch - Betula pubescens Elder - Sambucus nigra Elm - Ulmus minor Field maple - Acer campestre Goat willow - Salix caprea Gorse - Ulex europaeus Grey Willow - Salix cineraea Guelder rose - Viburnum opulus Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna
Hazel - Corylus avellana Holly - Ilex aquifolium Holm oak (evergreen) - Quercus ilex Hornbeam - Carpinus betulus Horse Chestnut - Aesculus hippocastanum Leyland cypress - Cupressus x leylandii London Plane - Platanus × hispanica Norway Maple - Acer Platanoides Osier - Euonmyus europaeua Pedunculate oak - Quercus robur Purging buckthorn - Rhamnus cathartica Red oak - Quercus rubra Rowan - Sorbus aucuparia Scots pine - Pinus sylvestris Sessile oak - Quercue petraea Silver Birch - Betula pendula Sitka spruce - Picea sitkensis Small Leaved Lime - Tilia cordata Spindle - Euonymus europaeus Sweet Chestnut - castanea sativa Sweet Gum - Liquidambar styraciflua Sycamore - Acer pseudoplatanus Tulip Tree - Liriodendron tulipifera Wayfaring tree (shrub) - Viburnum lantana White willow - Salix alba Whitebeam - Sorbus aria Wild cherry - Prunus avium Wild privet (shrub) - ligustrum vulgareUlmus glabra Wild service - Sorbus torminalis Wych elm - Ulmus glabra
TREE SPECIES
THE SHRUB/HEDGEROW ELEMENT Planting the most appropriate mix of species is essential for preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and promoting air and water quality, as well as human health and well-being. Native trees and shrubs provide essential habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, insects, fungi, and lichens. Many species depend on specific native trees for food, shelter, and breeding. For example, the pedunculate oak supports over 450 species of insects, including the endangered stag beetle (Lucanus cervus, native to England), highlighting the intricate ecological relationships fostered by native flora. Equally, shrubs form a critical part of UK native woodland creation and restoration, increasing habitat connectivity and resilience. As part of this 2023 project, 34,470 shrubs have been planted, including wayfaring tree, wild privet, hazel, hawthorn and dogwood. The unique patchwork of trees and shrubs is particularly important for hedgerows, iconic English landscape features dating back centuries. These historic and contemporary boundary lines, mainly planted in agricultural regions, serve as a haven for biodiversity. Hedgerows are the living fences of the English countryside that line fields and roads, and were originally planted to mark properties and prevent livestock from straying. Today, hedgerows are still essential for many reasons. They help to reduce soil erosion, improve air and water quality, and provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, which makes them essential to plant and animal species in England. For example, bumblebees (Bombus spp.) shelter in the grass and bottom of hedgerows over winter, like tiny houses for nature. Bats (Chiroptera spp.) use hedgerows for navigation, like motorways in the sky. Instead of flying across fields, they follow the hedgerow line. Finally, the protected hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) uses hedgerows in a few ways. It hibernates in hedgerows over winter and emerges in spring. It spends a lot of time above ground in the trees and scrub, and starts feeding on the two prominent hedgerow plant species, blackthorn and hawthorn, in April. It also uses hedgerows as dispersal corridors to link small woodlands for foraging and breeding. In 2023, as part of this project, the majority of land used for planting native trees and shrubs is ex or current agricultural areas (41.1%). Overall, over 550 new woodland sites have been created and designed to contribute to local biodiversity enhancement and nature recovery networks.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER FUNDING STREAMS, THIS SUPPORT HAS BEEN CRITICAL IN ENABLING THE PLANTING OF OVER A MILLION TREES IN 2022/2023, MORE THAN ANY OTHER ORGANISATION IN ENGLAND HAS ACHIEVED SO FAR. THE SHORT AND LONG TERM SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THIS IS VERY SIGNIFICANT.
YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP Your trees were planted in a variety of areas, including public sector, third sector (trusts), and private land across England. The England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration project plantation is distributed across over 20 sites, and it includes 8 different types of land.
YOUR IMPACT BY TYPE OF LAND Your support has helped to restore and create accessible woodlands throughout England. This project is the outcome of a valuable effort with community forestry, communities, landowners, and businesses across England to plant trees and improve our natural environment. These organisations (supported by partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors — and of course, local communities themselves) bring trees and people together to create healthy, inspiring and resilient places for humans and nature to live, side by side. In 2023, as part of this project, nearly 70% of the forests planted have full or partial public access, including school grounds. Thanks to your contribution, over 500,000 more people in England are now within 500 meters of a woodland.
Other Transport 5.4 Sports Fields 2.3 3.4
Ex-Agriculture 25.8
Parks 13
% School grounds 13.7 Amenity 18.7
Private - 46.5% Public - 36% Charitable - 2% Schools - 13.3% Public (with tenants) - 1.4% Private (with tenants) - 0.7%
Agricultural 15.3
DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT Through authentic and informative storytelling, we help donors relate to the people who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happening on the ground.
PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
1,218,612 TREES 1,050 HECTARES
Enhancing Water Quality and Natural Flood Management By Karl McGrory, Europe Project Director
England's sprawling network of watercourses spanning 242,262 km presents an incredible canvas for ushering in a new era of environmental transformation. Enter the England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration project, a game-changer that is revolutionizing the conservation of water resources. The strategic placement of trees and woodlands along these waterways and within their catchments is nothing short of a natural marvel. Their presence offers a multitude of benefits, not just for the local environment, but for the planet as a whole. From enhancing water quality and managing floods to fostering biodiversity and fortifying climate resilience, these wooded havens serve as guardians of our natural world. Picture this: new woodlands cast cool, refreshing shade along riverbanks, ensuring ideal summer temperatures for the flourishing aquatic life below. In a world grappling with the effects of climate change, these forested habitats become sanctuaries for rivers, fostering their ability to adapt and thrive. The right trees in the right places create more than just picturesque landscapes. They forge new wet woodland habitats, shield vital ecosystems like chalk streams, and act as natural sentinels safeguarding water quality. Acting as a buffer between waterways and the surrounding land, these woodlands significantly reduce sediment runoff, nutrient losses, and harmful pollutants, essentially purifying the water that sustains life. But their impact doesn't stop there. Rooted along riverbanks, these trees stand as silent guardians, staunchly warding off soil erosion and curbing sedimentation in watercourses, further elevating water quality standards. Think of trees as nature's own flood managers. By strategically placing these guardians of the earth throughout the catchments, they act as a natural brake, slowing the flow of water and temporarily storing it. Studies by the esteemed Forest Research agency in the UK have shown that by planting trees along riverbanks, the risk of flooding can be drastically reduced by up to 65%. The England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration project has already seen monumental success, with over 570 hectares of catchments improved, offering an estimated value of nearly £120,000 per year in additional water storage on these sites.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
1,218,612 TREES 1,050 HECTARES
Enhancing Water Quality and Natural Flood Management By Karl McGrory, Europe Project Director
The challenges facing our watercourses are undeniably immense. Urbanization, industrial growth, and intense land usage are relentless threats, contributing to the ever-growing pollutants seeping into our waterways. Climate change only adds to these pressures, leading to more frequent and severe flooding episodes, followed by prolonged periods of drought. Here, the role of generous donors like you becomes instrumental. Your unwavering support is pivotal in propelling initiatives such as this well-designed and meticulously managed woodland creation project. These projects are not just about creating diverse ecological havens; they offer indispensable ecosystem services, including flood control, erosion management, and carbon sequestration. With your continued support, we can ensure a sustainable and thriving environment for generations to come.
A CLOSER LOOK
AT THE IMPACT England, UK
England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration Increasing Natural Capital Assets through Woodland Creation The England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration project is a multi-year, co-financed initiative that is part of Defra's (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) ambitious England Trees Action Plan, a long-term commitment to increase tree planting and improve woodland management in England. The plan was launched in 2021 and sets out a vision for a more wooded England by 2024, with trees and woodlands playing a vital role in the economy, the environment, and society. Wood coverage in England has fallen since the Industrial Revolution and World War I to 5.1% by 1924. Despite sustained efforts, it has only grown to 10.1% because climate change and biodiversity loss demand more action. Planting more trees and taking care of current forests will help the Government reach net zero and create a Nature Recovery Network. To achieve this, they intend to spend over £500 million from the Nature for Climate Fund on trees and woodlands in England between 2020 and 2025. With this investment, the goal is to triple reforestation rates and meet England's part in the UK's target of planting 30,000 hectares per year by 2024. The England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration project was enabled in 2021 by The Nature for Climate Fund, and, in its broader framework called Trees for Climate, has the goal, among others, to deliver 6,000 hectares of new woodland by 2025. These forests will be planted and managed by local communities for their benefit, based on long-term recognised national forest frameworks. Recent research by Liverpool John Moores University has measured natural capital assets and evaluated biodiversity benefits: in 2023, for every £1 invested in this project, there is at least £22 in benefits.
OVER 30%
OF ALL NEW WOODLAND CREATION IN 2023 IN ENGLAND IS ACHIEVED THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE, 32% OF WHICH IS WITHIN THE MOST DEPRIVED AREAS
NEARLY £700K PER YEAR IS THE ESTIMATED VALUE OF BIODIVERSITY GAIN THROUGH NEW WOODLAND CREATION AND CONNECTION TO EXISTENT FORESTED AREAS
OVER 10K
TONNES OF CARBON SEQUESTERED OVER THE LIFETIME OF TREES ESTABLISHED IN 2023, VALUED AT OVER £777K
BIODIVERSITY BENEFITS All woodlands in England, broadleaf or conifer, regardless of their purpose, should be designed and managed to improve the environment, in accordance with UK Forestry Standards. England’s native woodlands are especially important for biodiversity, as they have evolved over thousands of years to support a wide range of species. About a quarter of all priority species for conservation in England are associated with native woodlands, including the lesser-spotted woodpecker (Dryobates minor) and the high-brown fritillary butterfly (Fabriciana adippe). The iconic oak tree (Quercus robur) alone supports 2,300 species, of which 326 are dependent on it for survival. Planting more native broadleaf and mixed woodlands, including shrubs, can significantly enhance biodiversity restoration and conservation. Thoroughly planning and managing these forests to allow and support natural processes can create structurally diverse habitats and regenerate land. This holistic approach has the potential to connect natural habitats, buffer existing woodlands, and integrate wooded and open priority habitats, all of which support nature and ecosystem recovery. The England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration project has created a network of 555 new woodland sites that is estimated to deliver nearly £700k per year in biodiversity benefits.
COMMUNITY
BENEFITS
The England 2023 - Community Forest Restoration project is a nationwide initiative that is transforming communities and the environment through tree planting. Launched in 2021, the program has made significant progress in 2023, delivering over 1,000 hectares of new woodland and creating jobs and training opportunities in local communities. It is a successful example of how a partnership approach can be used to achieve a common goal. The program is working with communities, landowners, government agencies, and educational partners to plant trees and transform communities for the better. In addition to the environmental benefits of tree planting, this long-term project is also providing social and educational benefits, such as working with schools to connect children to nature through Forest School and Woodland Outreach programs. As well as that, the project contributes to the creation of a wide range of jobs, including land agents, woodland contractors, and people in the tree supply chain, and is supporting veterans' charities to provide employment and training opportunities for veterans, as well as reducing reoffending through targeted programs. Overall, this initiative aims to increase public access to woodlands in order to contribute to the creation of healthier, more liveable, and more economically rewarding places, especially in areas where the need is greatest for both the community and the landscape.
OF THE PROJECT’S SITES WERE IN SCHOOLS ESTIMATED SOCIAL ROI PER YEAR EMPLOYED DIRECTLY IN TREE PLANTING IN 2023 MEMBERS EMPLOYED AS WOODLAND CONTRACTORS IN 2023
ONCE GROWN, THE NEW WOODLANDS COULD ATTRACT OVER 4M VISITORS EACH YEAR, GENERATING AN ESTIMATED ECONOMIC VALUE OF NEARLY £13M
U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
WHAT ARE SDGS? Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate) our impact on the planet. Trees are one such solution. From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting trees can address all 17 sustainable development goals.
"By supporting this project, you are providing green space for the health and wellbeing of some of England’s most disadvantaged communities. Nuturing our environment and enhancing ecosystems damaged by intensive farming and sprawling urbanisation. These trees will enhance air quality, reduce flash flooding and nurture soils!”
Karl McGrory Regional Director Europe