The National Trust recently unveiled one of the UK’s biggest woodland expansion and tree planting projects in an ambitious plan to become carbon net zero by 2030 as the charity celebrates its 125th anniversary.
In a landmark speech to mark the milestone, the National Trust’s Director General Hilary McGrady has announced a series of new initiatives including planting and establishing 20 million new trees in 10 years as part of the charity’s plan to step up the battle against climate change.
Locking up carbon by maintaining precious peat bogs, investing £35m in its Renewable Energy Investment Programme by February 2021 and reducing the Trust’s carbon footprint are among the measures to hit the net zero target.
Plans to unlock green spaces near urban areas, a year-long campaign to inspire people to engage with nature and address a ‘worrying disconnect’, as well as new plans for culture and heritage programmes have also been announced.
The charity has vowed to continue work to reverse the decline in nature through a range of projects, including helping clean up the nation’s rivers and waterways, reintroduce species and repurpose land in favour of woodland and carbon sequestration.
Hilary McGrady said: “It’s our 125th year and the National Trust has always been here for the benefit of everyone. That is why we are making these ambitious announcements in response to what is needed from our institution today.
“As Europe’s biggest conservation charity, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to fight climate change, which poses the biggest threat to the places, nature and collections we care for.
“More than 18,000 hectares of woodland – an area equivalent to one and a half times the size of Manchester or 42 Sherwood Forests – will be strategically established across the nation to lock up 300,000 tonnes of carbon – equivalent to the energy output of 37,000 homes a year.”
The National Trust has called on the government to step up its commitment to increasing woodland cover, after it emerged the UK is lagging behind its own tree planting target.
McGrady added: “By cutting our own emissions and storing more carbon, the National Trust will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
“The independent panel, the Committee on Climate Change, commissioned by the government, recommended the creation of woodland as an important part of the changes to land use needed to mitigate against the nature crisis.
“I am pleased to say that by 2030 we will establish 20 million trees, creating 18,000 hectares of new woodland.
“Woodlands help with flood prevention, they provide habitat for all sorts of nature and wildlife, and they are the backdrop to the adventures of future generations.”
She added: “The new government needs to deliver an Environment Bill with ambitious targets and a properly independent watchdog.
“Because we can only do so much alone. Now, more than ever, the whole environmental movement needs to pull together.”
Picture caption main image: Blossom at Cotehele-Cornwall. ©National Trust Images Ross Hoddinott