Written question asked by Adrian Flook (Conservative) on Monday, 22 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 September 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 19 September 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned by her Department to increase the number of trees planted in the South West; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Flook: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps (a) have been taken and (b) are planned by her Department to increase the number of trees planted in the South West; and if she will make a statement. [73251] Mr. Morley: With support from the Woodland Grant Scheme and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme, private woodland owners in the South West created some 1,300 hectares of woodland last year. This is nearly double the amount planted five years ago. We have also provided extra support in certain parts of the South West through initiatives such as the Community Forest Premium and Challenge Schemes for new native woodland in National Parks and for reversing fragmentation of woodlands. As to the future, we are currently reviewing our grant schemes with a view to achieving, among other things, improved targeting of support for new woodland in accordance with the priorities in our England Forestry Strategy.

Secondary information