Tree planting across England reached its highest level in more than 20 years during the 2024–25 season, with 5,765 hectares of new woodland established, a 27% increase over 2023–24 and 156% above 2021–22 levels.
Including trees planted outside woodland, the total area covered was approximately 7,164 hectares, translating to about 10.4 million new trees—the equivalent area of roughly 10,000 football pitches .
The growth reflects a surge in public and private efforts supported by Defra and the Forestry Commission through grants like the England Woodland Creation Offer.
Around 53% of planting funded under this scheme increased species diversity, while the initiative also ties into broader environmental goals such as carbon capture, biodiversity restoration, flood mitigation, and rural job creation.
Source: Forestry Commission
