Influencing government and policymakers

To achieve our vision of a UK rich in native woods and trees, it is vital that government and policymakers understand nature’s importance and take action.

Credit: Peter Dench / WTML

We work to influence government and policymakers to secure stronger protection for our valued woods and trees from a variety of threats, and to reverse the decline in tree cover by creating better incentives for planting.

Central and devolved government

We lobby and work with Members of Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales/Senedd, the Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly to promote the value of woods and trees. Across a whole range of policy areas from agriculture to transport and the environment, we work to influence ministers and officials to ensure woods and trees are recognised in policy and investment decisions.

We write briefings for debates and parliamentary questions, host events, commission reports, respond to consultations, and even take MPs, MSPs and Assembly members to local woods to help them appreciate what’s at stake.

Local government

To get positive policies for trees and woods included in local plans, and to help deliver and shape tree strategies, we lobby councillors, mayors and senior officers at all levels of local government. We help deliver on these policies by working with local authorities to plant trees, create woods and better protect existing woods and trees. We also work with parish and town councils to influence policies in their neighbourhood plans.