Written question asked by Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Jenny Riddell-Carpenter (Labour) on Friday, 4 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Tree Planting

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of spatial targeting of tree planting in urban areas to help reduce social inequalities.

Answer

The Trees Programme includes a number of schemes that support urban tree planting. Lower urban tree cover often correlates with higher socioeconomic deprivation. The Government supports urban tree planting through the Tree Council and England’s Community Forests. Both plant trees in and around urban areas to improve wellbeing, tackle climate change and create places for nature. The Community Forests planted over 1,800 Hectares in 2025/26.

In line with development of spatial targeting, informed by the Land Use Framework, we are exploring new datasets and tools to better target new trees and woodlands, including future support for urban trees, and how to prioritise areas of deprivation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 23606
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Disadvantaged Equality Urban areas Tree planting
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Tree Planting

Secondary information

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