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Woodland Creation — [Emma Lewell in the Chair]
11 February 2026
Lead MP
Chris Curtis
Milton Keynes North
Lab
Responding Minister
Mary Creagh
Tags
Climate
Word Count: 13230
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Chris Curtis raised concerns about woodland creation — [emma lewell in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Government to support woodland creation projects like the wetland arc in Milton Keynes, which is part of a larger national initiative aimed at increasing woodland cover to 16.5% by 2050 as per the Environment Act 2021 target.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the loss of wetlands and biodiversity. According to the 2025 global wetland outlook, around 22% of the world's wetlands have been lost since the 1970s, placing immense pressure on biodiversity and increasing flood risk. In Milton Keynes, the wetland arc project aims to cover 355 hectares, enhancing wildlife habitat, providing vital flood mitigation, supporting active travel, and connecting local people with nature.
Alex Chalk
Con
Cheltenham
Mr Chalk discussed the benefits of woodlands in carbon capture and biodiversity enhancement, citing local examples in Gloucestershire. He also highlighted the need for clearer guidance on woodland management to ensure long-term sustainability.
Alex Mayer
Lab
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
The MP discussed the importance of woodland creation for climate action, nature recovery, and public good. He highlighted the success of the national forest in the Midlands as an example of what can be achieved with sustained effort. The speaker expressed support for Labour's ambition to create three new national forests, including one in his constituency, emphasizing the need for protection and care during the early years of tree establishment. He also raised questions about aligning tree supply with planting grants, addressing skills shortages in forestry, and promoting British-grown tree certification.
Alison Taylor
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Alison Taylor highlighted the benefits of woodland creation, including flood management, carbon capture, habitat provision for native species, and economic resilience. She noted that Scotland imports over 80% of timber used in the UK, with only around 12% of new woodland being coniferous trees since 2010, far below the necessary 30% for net zero goals. She also pointed out a major missed opportunity for construction decarbonisation as only 9% of new homes in England use timber framing compared to over 90% in Scotland. Inquired about the lack of conifer planting alongside broadleaf trees, questioning the Government's stance on this issue.
Aphra Brandreth
Con
Chester South and Eddisbury
Welcomed the debate on woodlands, highlighting Delamere forest as an example of a diverse natural ecosystem. Cited statistics on species supported by oak trees and economic benefits from tourism. Questioned the Minister about increasing domestic timber supply to protect rural employment and reduce import reliance.
Blake Stephenson
Con
Mid Bedfordshire
The MP congratulated his neighbour on securing the debate and highlighted the impact of Marston Vale community forest on local biodiversity. He expressed concern over the threats to ancient woodlands from development and population growth, urging the Government to protect these sites through designation as SSSIs. The speaker also supported the Government's ambition for a new national forest in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, suggesting that it should be built upon Marston Vale. Asked the Government to clarify their preference for deer management through culling versus introducing an apex predator or a combination of both.
Chris Clarkson
Con
Darlington
Mr Clarkson spoke about the role of woodlands in flood prevention and water management, referencing specific case studies from his constituency. He asked for more support to enhance woodland resilience against climate change impacts.
Chris Hinchliff
Lab
North East Hertfordshire
Chris Hinchliff highlighted the decline of England's woodland, noting that only 7% is in good health and many species are at risk due to climate change. He pointed out that a lack of diversity in size and species has left ecosystems fragile, with iconic species disappearing and woodland bird numbers falling by 37% over the past 50 years. Hinchliff stressed the need for bold approaches in woodland creation while defending existing protections against development threats.
Jennifer Craft
Lab
Thurrock
The MP highlighted the importance of woodland creation for wildlife and ecosystem health, citing a local RSPB nature reserve where the brown hairstreak butterfly has made a remarkable comeback. She also raised concerns about invasive species such as roe deer overgrazing young woodlands and suggested reintroducing apex predators like lynx to manage these populations naturally. Additionally, she urged the Minister to ensure no net loss of biodiversity from infrastructure projects such as the planned lower Thames crossing. During a visit to Wakehurst, mentioned the redwoods and asked for support from the Minister in ensuring that one in five new trees planted are novel species such as the redwood and cedar, which are predicted to cope better with climate change.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of woodland creation and tree planting, noting his personal experience with planting over 3,500 trees on his farm in Northern Ireland. He also raised concerns about the high cost of land for local authorities trying to plant more trees, as an acre currently costs £15,202, which is a significant barrier for councils with limited budgets. The hon. Member mentioned vanishing bird life in Cornwall. In his constituency, farmers and landowners have successfully brought back the yellowhammer through various projects, showing that efforts can lead to positive outcomes for wildlife. Asked the Government to consider working with conservation groups to manage pests such as deer and grey squirrels, ensuring they do not become a threat to woodland ecosystems.
Josh Newbury
Lab
Cannock Chase
Described the value of woodlands for both nature and people, highlighting that woodland creation is central to building a greener, fairer Britain. Pointed out that UK's current woodland cover stands at 13.5%, significantly lower than many European neighbours, with access to green spaces reflecting inequality on multiple levels in his constituency. Emphasised the importance of long-term management and community involvement for successful woodland creation projects.
Nigel Adams
Con
Selby and Ainsty
Mr Adams talked about the economic benefits of forestry work, including job creation and timber production, citing figures from DEFRA reports. He urged for more investment in rural infrastructure to support woodland projects.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Cornwall's woodland areas, including Cornish native mountain ash and elm, were devastated by Storm Goretti with winds up to 111 mph. Tens of thousands of trees were toppled in west Cornwall alone, leading to significant damage to sites such as the Isles of Scilly's Abbey Garden and St Michael's Mount. The speaker highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive woodland creation strategy that includes funding for planting, maintenance, and long-term recovery.
Roz Savage
Lib Dem
South Cotswolds
Savage emphasised the importance of trees for climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement, carbon capture, and local economies. She highlighted that while tree canopy cover has increased slightly, it remains far below EU averages at 13% compared to 38%, with only 7% of native woods in good condition. Savage also pointed out that many newly planted trees fail due to poor species selection or inappropriate planting seasons.
Sara Britcliffe
Lab
Doncaster North
Ms Britcliffe raised concerns about the accessibility of funding for small-scale woodland creation initiatives and called on the government to provide clearer pathways for local communities to engage in forestry projects. She highlighted the importance of involving young people in these efforts.
Steve Brine
Con
Winchester
Mr Brine emphasised the importance of woodland creation, referencing statistics from Woodland Trust reports and calling for greater government support to meet environmental targets.
Government Response
Mary Creagh
Government Response
Emphasised the importance of woodlands in biodiversity, air filtration, and public health. Noted plans to manage invasive species like muntjac deer and Chinese water deer, as well as initiatives such as introducing lynx and expanding national forests. Announced £1 billion investment into tree planting and forestry sector for this Parliament, aiming to achieve the new 2030 interim tree cover target. Discussed funding for woodland creation through grants and apprenticeships.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.