Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Tree Planting

Thursday 21 January 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Harriett Baldwin asked the Minister about steps to increase tree planting.
  • The Minister responded with a commitment to increase planting to 30,000 hectares and announced a 640 million nature for climate fund.
  • The Minister also discussed the effectiveness of tree planting in reducing floodwater in the River Severn catchment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Environment
Context

The question arises from the government's commitment to increase tree planting and the ongoing efforts to address environmental issues. The MP seeks specific steps being taken.

Question

What steps he is taking to increase tree planting?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

We committed in our manifesto to increasing planting across the UK to 30,000 hectares and are working with devolved Administrations. We announced a £640 million nature for climate fund contributing towards tree planting along with the green recovery challenge fund. Skills required to plant and look after trees will be part of this strategy, which we will publish later in spring.

Answered
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Q2 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Communities along the River Severn catchment are facing flooding. The MP thanks the Minister for funding flood defences and asks about the role of tree planting in reducing floodwater.

Question

As communities along the River Severn catchment are facing flooding once again, I thank the Minister for all she has done to fund a hardening of flood defences along the River Severn. Will she say how tree planting is also effective at reducing the amount of floodwater that goes through the catchment and reducing the speed?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

I thank my hon. Friend for her question, our sympathies go to those flooded overnight. With the Environment Agency, we have a big project overseeing this. We are committed to better protecting the country from flooding, and I thank her for comments on Severn valley. Natural flood management, including tree planting, is part of the holistic plan dealing with flooding comprehensively. Proposals include flood-risk management options that will improve water quality and enhance environment through an integrated approach.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The effectiveness of tree planting in reducing floodwater volume and speed was not directly addressed.

How: We Are Committed To Better Protecting The Country From Flooding

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