Urge Government to prioritise planting in urban tree deserts 

Across the UK, over 11 million people are living in ‘tree deserts’ - areas of chronically low tree cover. That needs to change: we all deserve access to the vast health benefits trees bring. The good news is that the Government has earmarked £1 billion for woods and trees. Now we need your help to make sure some is spent in these tree deserts, where it’s needed most. 

What’s the problem?

Tree cover in our urban neighbourhoods varies wildly, from as little as 3% in Fleetwood, Lancashire to 45% in Farnham, Surrey. The most affluent neighbourhoods often have more than double the tree cover of the poorest and most underserved. This silent injustice means that neighbourhoods already facing greater social and environmental challenges also have less access to the vital benefits of trees.

Trees boost our physical and mental health

Missing out on trees harms our communities. In neighbourhoods with the lowest tree cover per person, air pollution is 30% higher. During dangerous heatwaves, lack of shade can make a city street even hotter: in Cardiff, we found a stark difference of 20C between direct sunlight and shade under an urban tree.

This isn’t just unpleasant. Increased heat and air pollution lead to higher risk of heart attack, stroke, asthma attack and cancer. In greener areas, life expectancy is higher and you’re more likely to earn more and study better when surrounded by trees. 

Research also shows that planting trees gives us a strong sense of pride in where we live, significantly boosting community unity and resilience and our own wellbeing. We all deserve this. We all need fair access to trees.

Urge Government to put trees where they’re needed most

The England Tree Action Plan is the Government’s strategy for protecting, expanding, and managing trees and woods in England from 2026-2030. Due later this year, the plan will show how it will spend the £1 billion set aside for woods and trees.

We want the Government to commit to spending 20% of that budget (£200 million) on making sure those of us who need trees most aren’t left behind. We’re not calling for extra cash – only that the allotted budget is used fairly. This is a huge opportunity to deliver the greatest benefits for people, nature and climate.

Add your voice to the call. Use our quick and easy form to write to your MP and remind them that trees should be for everyone, no matter where they live.