Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many native trees have been planted in each of the last three years; how much his Department has spent on supporting native tree planting in each of those years as part of climate mitigation efforts; and if he will make a statement.

Trees have an important role to play for climate mitigation as we work towards net zero emissions. The Government has made major commitments to enable more tree planting in recent years, including through creation of a £640 million Nature for Climate Fund.

Over 4,000 hectares of woodland have been planted with Government support in England over the last three years at a cost of approximately £17 million.

While complying with the United Kingdom Forestry Standard, land managers and owners decide which species of tree to plant on their land. Woodland planted will be a mix of native and exotic species, all of which contribute towards climate mitigation.

As we deploy new funding we will look to ensure the trees we plant not only capture carbon, but deliver a wide range of ecosystems services.