To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans to increase the net number of trees in the next five years. (317396)

Our Strategy for England’s Trees, Woods and Forests puts a strong emphasis on planting the right tree in the right place. We will be taking an integrated approach to see where additional woodland can complement other activities.

As part of the Low Carbon Transition Plan announced in July, the Forestry Commission and DEFRA are working to develop the framework needed for a step change in the level of woodland creation for the next 15 years. As part of this, the Forestry Commission will be working with partners in each region to identify scope for increasing the area of woodland.