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<p>Trees are vital environmental, social and economic assets. We need to take action
to protect all trees from pests and diseases to preserve the benefits trees provide,
include those trees that are planted within the Northern Forest.</p><p> </p><p>Our
woodlands and forests are protected by the Forestry Act and Felling Licence regulations.
In most cases a licence is required from the Forestry Commission before a landowner
can undertake tree felling, with the Forestry Commission taking into account the UK
Forestry Standard when considering felling applications. Where clear felling takes
place there is, in most cases, a requirement to restock the woodland to maintain our
woodland resource.</p><p> </p><p>Protecting trees from pests and diseases is essential
in realising our ambition to leave the environment in a better state for the next
generation. The Tree Health Resilience strategy, published in May 2018, sets out how
Government will work with others to reduce the risk of pest and disease threats, and
how we will strengthen the resilience of our trees to withstand these threats. The
strategy includes a National Action Plan that sets out what we are already doing and
what we and others will need to do to protect our trees.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
has invested £5.7m to kick-start the development of the Northern Forest, which will
have planted 1.8 million trees by the end of the Parliament to offer a firm foundation
to continue to deliver against its longer term vision.</p><p> </p><p>The Government
has a manifesto commitment to ensure stronger protection for our ancient woodlands
and the irreplaceable nature of ancient woodlands is recognised in our 25 Year Environment
Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. Planning authorities are required
to consult the Natural England and Forestry Commission ‘standing advice’ on ancient
woodland and veteran trees when determining planning applications that may affect
such habitats.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is also providing funding of £5m for the
HS2 Woodland Fund. This supports the restoration of existing plantations on ancient
woodland sites (PAWS) as well as the creation of new native woodland.</p>
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