82% OF UK TREES PLANTED IN SCOTLAND

Scotland continues to lead the way in forestry, with 82% of trees planted in the UK this year being in Scotland.

Research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) shows that in 2021, 10,600 hectares of trees were planted in Scotland, the equivalent of more than 14,000 football pitches.

By contrast, just 2,000 hectares were planted in England and only 290 hectares in Wales. In total, of 13,000 hectares of trees planted across the UK, 82% were in Scotland.

The SNP Government also met its target that 40% of trees planted should be broadleaf.

Patricia Gibson MP said:

“In the year in which Scotland hosted the world at COP26, we continue leading on the vital steps needed to tackle the climate emergency, with our tree-planting record particularly impressive.

“Trees are vital for biodiversity and soaking up carbon. While countries such as Brazil pledge to end deforestation by 2030, in Scotland we are already planting thousands of hectares of trees.

“To tackle the climate emergency, all countries must do more. Scotland’s record on tree-planting is just one example of how we continue to punch above our weight when it comes to meeting our climate goals.”

ENDS