Northern Forest Manifesto | 1

A new Northern Forest Northern Forest Manifesto | 3 Contents

Panta Rhei – everything flows 4

As beauty meets prosperity 6

Breathe, you’ve gone green 12

Cooling the canopy 20

Resourcing the future 28

It’s in your nature 34

Our Northern Forest, our legacy 38

Where should we plant our 50 million trees? 40

Footnotes 44 Northern Forest Manifesto | 5

environment than we inherited from our is unfiltered. Our timber mills look forward to forebears. We want to see habitats thrive, an uncertain supply. Local communities don’t planting rates soar, a woodland culture flourish have the access to green space that can be so Panta Rhei - and our ancient woodlands better protected. transformative. The song bird has nowhere to land.

Ours is a demand, a promise and a proposition; The government’s own figures put our existing for a rich and silvan future. The impact will be on woodland resource as being worth £1.8 billion4 to everything flows the streets of our cities, around new developments us in terms of social, environmental and economic and old, across key areas of our uplands, and benefits. The estimate is that for every 250,000 along our riversides. This will happen in our of new hectares planted, £500 million of social Let’s plant a thought. We live in a time when gardens and across our neighbourhoods. benefits are generated each and every year.5 it seems as if almost anything could happen. The Northern Forest is an idea that fits this And then there are the benefits you can’t put moment in time perfectly. As a recent parliamentary a price on. A woodland walk with someone you Technology, ecosystems, politics, economies, enquiry1 rightly pointed out, planting rates love. A child climbing up their first tree. A riot have virtually stalled in this country, even as we of autumn colour that reminds you, yet again, our everyday habits; change is ubiquitous. Some struggle to try and raise our levels of woodland how much you like the season after summer. cover to a fraction of those enjoyed elsewhere. change is positive, some less so. Mutability is something we are learning to live and work with. 25 years

Life is flux, as Heraclitus famously put it.

The Northern Forest It is at times of shift and turbulence of carbon; and of course, make the covers an area of 13 that the boldest of thinking and citizens of our great Northern cities 50m trees million people and action is needed. If your desire is and regions happier, and healthier. 7.6% woodland cover to help shape a stronger and more - well below Europe’s resilient future as the jet stream of Our rise is unstoppable, our logic is average. Our plan history propels us all forward, then fierce. Across the pages that follow we Across England, only 10% of our land area is Our Northern Forest is a plan to plant 50 million to plant 50 million the challenge is to think across set out our prospectus. We start with covered by woodland.2 In Scotland that stands at trees in and around our great cities of Liverpool, trees will transform the horizon and to connect causes, a clear case for a major economic 18%, and in France, Germany and Spain it is 31%, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull. It is an this landscape effects and powerful solutions. uplift from increased property 33% and 37% respectively.3 England’s woodland area of 13 million people and has woodland cover to make it more values and regional attractiveness. cover is only just over a quarter of that enjoyed, on even lower than the paltry England average at resilient, beautiful That’s where the Northern Forest We then move through reduced average, across the rest of Europe. Our planting just 7.6%. There are 650,0006 new homes planned, and prosperous. has emerged from, as an urgent idea carbon emissions, greater ecological level for new trees in the year 2015-16 stood at £75 billion7 of infrastructure in the pipeline and of our time, addressing the challenges resilience – including from flooding just 700 hectares; some argue that if you look at there are new powers being exercised due to of today and tomorrow, deploying a – the need for more timber and the amount of trees being removed in cities like changes in planning powers across the region. natural solution that’s much, much timber planting, benefits for health Sheffield for example, we are in truth seeing a older than we are but that has the and air quality, and the biodiversity net decline in our woodland cover at the moment, We have a plan to transform this landscape most contemporary relevance. boost to be expected. And finally we while policy and common sense alike says we to make it more resilient, even more beautiful turn to the practicalities of getting should be headed in the opposite direction. and more prosperous too. There is an evidence We want to plant 50 million trees, 50 million trees into the ground. base, a strong partnership and a vision we across a generation and across This means the benefits that accrue from trees can follow. For people, nature and for the the North of England. We know Inspired by the work of our are simply slipping away from us. When the hard economy, we will plant 50 million trees and where they can go and how it can be community forests across rains fall, they land on even harder surfaces and hope for a future we can all be proud of. achieved. If trees are planted in the England and the Tree Charter, our run off swiftly to create flood risks downstream. right place, we know that we can: partnership is driven by the desire When the heat rises through climate change, Join us. reduce the risk of flooding for up to to make sure that our children, we don’t have the shade or the evaporative 190,000 people; create thousands of and their children, enjoy a better power of leaves to keep us cool. Our dirty air new jobs; store thousands of tonnes and more equitable natural Northern Forest Manifesto | 7

There are two ways in which trees and woodlands impact on our economy. One is through the direct services they deliver: cleaning and cooling the air, slowing the flow of floodwaters, and producing food or timber. The second way is perhaps even more powerful; it’s the way they transform how we feel about ourselves and the places where we live. As beauty This is a true story. A few years back its favour; the MD’s partner however there was a roundtable discussion for had their mind made up, and it was a leading business magazine featuring the quality of the city’s environmental property agents in one of our great assets that made all the difference. Northern cities. A senior director from The deal was done. a major property agent shared a tale of one successful deal they had managed Our environment, and trees in meets to swing. They had been commissioned particular, has a dramatic and positive by a firm looking to relocate thousands impact on our economy.1 Trees create of jobs out of London and were attractive environments for business For the North prospecting Grade A office space investment and development, they across a selection of cities in the bolster our urban and rural identities, to prosper North and the Midlands. they have a direct influence on property values and of course, they we need to While the Managing Director of this create the spaces and places that we plant trees prosperity firm was being shown some of the best all want to visit, relocate to or work in. floor plates on offer in this particular and look after city, the MD’s partner, who had come The fact is that if we want to see those we along on the trip, was being shown greater prosperity across the North, it green spaces — in this case National has to be green. We need to plant trees already have. Trust estates circling the city. When and protect those we already have. it came to the crunch, the MD had Trees set the scene for growth, and a favourable impression of the city the symbolism of this contribution is Setting the scene for growth but not enough to tip the decision in worth exploring. As beauty meets prosperity Northern Forest Manifesto | 9

Adding value, And for house prices and housing community woodland and nearly improvements increased occupancy market renewal, trees are critical 600 new homes built. The District from 40% to 78%; levered in more with trees too. Right across the world the Valuer found property values in than £1m of private investment; and evidence shows that being adjacent the surrounding area had risen by attracted 28 new businesses and For major development schemes, to woodland and having street trees £15m as a direct result, and new more than 60 new jobs.8 Another increasingly enlightened developers as part of a development can and developments worth £75m had been study, for The Mersey Forest, are recognising that green space does enhance the attractiveness attracted — a significant return on showed landscaping improvements and better public spaces and and value of properties. Closely investment. Another study based in in Portland Basin, Tameside amenities are critical in ensuring associated with an uplift in North West England showed that a and Winsford, Cheshire yielded that their projects are successful monetary value are the values held view of a natural landscape added respectively over 16% and 13% and fully let. Trees are a fundamental by communities themselves. If our up to 18% to a property’s value, and of net growth in employment.9 part of landscape design and any aesthetic experience is enhanced that homebuyers would be willing to signature scheme that does not we are more likely to feel a stronger pay £7,680 per household for views of After the trees have boosted include significant levels of planting bond of community, and a stronger broadleaved woods.6 job numbers, the evidence is that should meet public expectation and identification with place and others commuters would like to see them responsible development practices. that we share it with. The evidence is strong, too, for the on their way to work too. A Forestry attractiveness of business locations Commission report from 2003 Then there’s what’s been called The numbers back this proposition that boast decent green space.7 showed that green commuting ‘The Airport Road’ experience for up. In a recent issue of the One example, cited in a report by routes are preferred and that the international visitors and investors, international journal Urban Forestry Groundwork UK, is Riverside Park willingness to pay for woodland views recognised by many international & Urban Greening3, two researchers Industrial Estate in Middlesbrough, on journeys to and from home could marketing experts as being as critical looked at the impact street trees where extensive planting of trees be estimated at £226.56 per annum as hotel service standards or city had on property values in Portland, helped to attract new, high profile, per household (2003 prices).10 cleanliness in ‘sealing’ a deal. For Oregon. For rental values they found occupants. The green space too many cities, this is a scrappy that having a tree on the rental plot inauguration for visitors. Along lineal itself saw monthly rent increase transport gateways whether they by $5.62; if there was a tree in the be road, rail or cycleway, we should street outside, rent went up by $21. be planting more trees, particularly A modest contribution but when as evidence shows that commuters’ they looked at overall property value, quality of life is enhanced too, by they found that a street tree boosted Mab Lane Community Woodland tree-lined routes.2 overall property value by $7,000 (around £5,300 at time of producing West Derby, like many areas with a similar profile, this document). Another Portland- suffered from a lack of quality green space. What Total aesthetic value of the based study put the contribution it did have however, was a 25 hectare area that UK’s woodlands is around even higher and estimated that a had become misused and mistreated. In 2008 The home’s value could be boosted by Mersey Forest, with support from other partners, over $22,000 if it was located on a secured the funds to transform two large and tree-lined avenue.4 disused playing areas into a usable green space. £2bn Community consultation days were held to help Closer to home, the Forestry decide what to do with the area and hundreds of Commission in England asked the local residents volunteered and helped to plant District Valuer for the North West over 20,000 beautiful trees. New pathways for to study their investments in green cyclists and walkers were put in, designated infrastructure and an increase areas for family picnics were set up and timber in property values, following a structures were designed by children from local multi-million pound programme to schools. The woodland, opened in 2010, is now turn brownfield sites into thriving being used by local residents and primary and community woodlands. Location: Stockbridge Village, Liverpool secondary schools for sports and outdoor lessons. House prices are on the rise and local businesses Including other woodland At Bold Moss in St Helens, a Partners: Liverpool City Council, are more likely to move to or stay in the area. As services it goes up to former colliery site, the study5 Forestry Commission, Riverside, a result of this project West Derby is becoming a looked at derelict industrial land and The Mersey Forest more desirable place to live and work. £270bn that had been transformed into a As beauty meets prosperity Northern Forest Manifesto | 11

Money grows on trees a higher price for parking. Across Whilst a UK every factor, the ‘no trees’ version worker generates The UK has a problem with of the street scored less well.15 productivity. For every £1 generated by a worker here in the UK for An earlier study by the same team £1 example, German workers make also saw trees help to form more £1.35. The so-called UK productivity positive consumer experiences £ gap has been growing since the early in central business districts, in ‘noughties’ and is now a significant this case increasing willingness £ £ cause for concern, particularly as to visit and pay a higher price £ Brexit looms large on the horizon.11 for goods by around 11%.16 £ £ Now the evidence is emerging that Invest now, avoid alongside better working conditions and general wellbeing, getting the disappointment environment right for business can make a difference, too. One You could rightly argue that it’s hard, report commissioned by Glasgow if not impossible, to put a price on City Council showed that as well as beauty.17 That said, if you’re asking attracting more talent, businesses developers, cities and investors to located next to newly regenerated plough more cash into planting trees, green space showed better staff it would be reasonable to at least give German workers generate retention and morale, specifically due them an informed estimate of the £1.35 to the ameliorated environment.12 value of that investment. If workers can see a natural According to a recent Woodland environment from their workspace, Trust report on the economic studies show that they report contribution of woodlands, the fewer ailments and greater job total aesthetic value of the UK’s satisfaction. And even bringing the woodlands, in economic terms, green indoors with office plants is around £2bn. If you add in the helps to speed up the completion of other sevices that those woodlands work and reduce stress levels.13 14 deliver, from water management to food or timber, their value comes in A greener setting can impact on much higher at around £270bn.18 clients and customers, too. One That’s existing woodland. We study of central business districts could generate an even greater in the United States set out to test return if we plant and protect. the idea of a ‘retail urban forest’ and showed study participants two ‘Main With 650,00019 new homes planned Street’ scenarios, one with a dense across the Northern Forest area in urban canopy and one denuded of the next 20 years, the time is now to trees. Led by researcher Kathleen ensure that a strategic plan is agreed Wolfe, the study team conducted a for a significant increase in woodland Each home national survey asking people which cover, including street trees. If the could be worth street would be likely to get their studies into property values are custom; the results showed that factored against this figure, with around £5,000 the presence of trees made people each home potentially worth around more if it had feel the place had a more positive £5,000 more if it has street trees or atmosphere, was a more comfortable a woodland view, that’s more than street trees or a place to be, and that they’d be more £3.2bn potential uplift in real value woodland view. likely to visit, spend more, stay to our housing stock across the longer and even be willing to pay cities and regions of the North. Northern Forest Manifesto | 13

More trees mean better health. Trees can clean the air, cool the temperature, quieten the noise and lighten your mood. Planting more trees means investing in our future health and cutting the future costs of health care too; it’s also a strategy that benefits the most vulnerable in society.

As you read this, pause for breath. pollution. Once you add indoor air The average human being will pollution the toll climbs higher still. inhale 250 million litres of air during In their report, entitled ‘Every Breath their lifetime, making clean air, You Take’, the RCP states that air alongside clean water and healthy pollution is now an urgent cause food, an absolutely fundamental for concern on public health and part of any healthy society. has been linked to cancer, asthma, stroke and heart disease, diabetes, First let’s start with the positives – in obesity, and even to dementia. the UK, a recent study commissioned by the Office for National Statistics And here’s the real wake up call (ONS) found that in 2015, it is in the report. Even though we’re estimated there were 5,800 fewer ‘breaching’ air quality limits set by respiratory hospital admissions, the EU across a number of UK cities, 1,300 fewer cardiovascular hospital that really isn’t that meaningful admissions, 27,000 fewer life years a calculation. The fact is there Large lost and 1,900 fewer premature is no safe limit, at all, for these Breathe, deaths as a result of natural pollution pollutants. The conclusion drawn healthy trees removal by plants. This resulted in an by the RCP and others is that what have the greatest estimated saving of over £1 billion of we really need is urgent action, per tree effects at avoided health costs in 2015 alone.1 and a new Clean Air Act, to halt the pollution removal inexorable rise of air pollution that Across the world however, we are is costing lives and weighing in on moving rapidly in the wrong direction. hard stretched NHS resources. There is mounting alarm that the you’ve gone quality of our air is failing and that In cities like Manchester, Liverpool, as a result, lives are being cut short. Sheffield, Hull and Leeds, airborne Local neighbourhoods, particularly in pollution comes largely from poorer areas, are feeling the brunt of traffic and more specifically diesel a very contemporary ‘silent spring’. engines. This pollution affects you throughout your life but is particularly According to a new report from the dangerous for babies in the womb Royal College of Physicians (RCP)2, and toddlers, as their growing green. every year around 40,000 deaths heart, brain, hormone systems and can be attributed to outdoor air immunity can all be harmed. Breathe, you’ve gone green Northern Forest Manifesto | 15

Trees can cut have been planted well before cars Just one case study from Chicago outdoor and indoor became such a major factor in our comparing people living in flats air pollution urban centres. In fact, research has both with and without a view by 50% shown that this so-called ‘canyon of trees and grass found that effect’, where pollution gets trapped a greener environment: 7 by buildings alongside roads, can be helped by planting trees • reduced stress in children; and vegetation, cutting nitrogen dioxide pollution by up to 40% • increased concentration and particulates by up to 60%.6 and self discipline;

More trees mean a stronger society. • reduced symptoms of ADHD; An increase in mixed-use, accessible Older people, and adults with trees can, according to one study by areas of woodland will bring direct • increased the amount of long-term health conditions, US-based The Nature Conservancy, and immediate health benefits. play for local children; are also vulnerable. reduce Particulate Matter near Happier and healthier communities a tree between 9% and 24%. It are ones where green space – and • halved the incidences of violent Fairness is a factor. Pollution hits also stated that trees on average particularly trees – have a major part crimes and domestic violence; hardest those who live in deprived can cool an urban area by 2°C.4 to play. Across the North of England areas – which often have higher there is a clear health challenge to • increased strength of levels of air pollution.3 It impacts Another study, led by Lancaster be grasped that’s much wider than community, and; those who live, learn or work near University, explored in more detail just air quality, and investing in busy roads and those who, ironically, how the leaves of road-side trees community forests could be critical. • increased the ability of the are least likely to own a car. Poor could radically cut pollution by poorest single parent mothers quality housing, lack of access to absorbing particulates, even inside to cope with major life issues. green space, lifestyle factors such people’s homes. One of the more as smoking, the stress of being on sinister facts about particulates is a low income and compounding that if you live on a busy road, they conditions like being overweight can attack you in your own home. or obese all amplify the risk. The Lancaster-led study team lined All this comes at a cost. According a terraced street in their home town Maximising the potential of Location: East Riding of Yorkshire, to the RCP, costs from exposure to with silver birch trees in planters Kingston upon Hull air pollution add up to more than and measured pollution levels the planning system to increase £20 billion every year for business, (PM1, PM2.5 & PM10) inside the tree and woodland cover Partners: HEYwoods Forest, East Riding insurance, social services and most homes before and after the trees of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council critically of course, the NHS. had been put in place; they saw pollution levels in these homes drop Together, the East Riding of Yorkshire and Planting more trees and protecting by more than half once the roadside Kingston upon Hull is recognised to be the those that we already have in our trees had been put in place.5 least wooded area of England. With only 2.2% Pollution Northern towns and cities is a of land currently wooded, the area lacks the key part of the solution. It’s also As ever, the right tree in the right necessary tree cover needed to deliver the range hits those considerably cheaper as a strategy place is the mantra to follow. Trees of environmental, social and economic benefits than waiting until ill health hits with ‘hairy leaves’ do a great job of that can be derived from woodland. HEYwoods in deprived and seeing the impact in our cutting pollution, but care needs Forest, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull areas most, hospitals and health centres; the to be taken over creating dense City Council worked hard and thought innovatively NHS is stretched enough already. canopies that could potentially stop to secure funding from various partners. As a and ironically, particulates from dissipating. One result, in the last five years they have planted those who are Particulate Matter (PM) is the recent study examining this factor over 80,000 trees, incorporating a number of microscopic particles that become led to ill-judged headlines about community-based planting events, and over least likely trapped in the lungs of people street trees ‘causing pollution’; a 12km of new hedgerows in both urban and rural breathing polluted air. It comes from particularly unfair conclusion to areas. Not only does this help to build community to own a car. a range of sources, but in our urban draw given that it’s the road traffic spirit but it improves health, image and wildlife, areas road traffic is the key culprit. creating particulate emissions and, reduces air pollution and fights climate change. Well considered and planned urban for older streets, the trees could well Breathe, you’ve gone green Northern Forest Manifesto | 17

Trees make life more liveable. population. The figures are similar setting, is a well-established strategy helping address a problem which has Woodlands are restorative for women. By 2050 the forecast throughout the community forests so profound a social and economic environments; they screen out is for 60% of men, 50% of women movement, but more needs to be impact. As mentioned previously, noise from nearby traffic, they and 25% of children to be officially done. 28 million people in England live the Royal College of Physicians welcome large numbers of people classed as obese. The accompanying within 4km (a cycle ride) of a publicly estimated that ambient air pollution without seeming crowded and cost of this massive health problem accessible woodland, yet there are causes approximately 40,000 they offer a range of activities has been forecast at £50 billion, still barriers to people enjoying them, premature deaths at an estimated from gentle to vigorous, including and so any measures that can get with people feeling that woodlands social cost of £22.6 billion per year.9 walking, cycling, horse-riding, people moving and losing weight aren’t genuinely accessible or are When this figure is proportionately nature trails, picnics and mountain will be hugely beneficial to public too far away. In addition a lack of distributed for population, that biking. It’s nature’s playground. coffers and the wider economy.8 knowledge about the facilities on could mean 2,000 premature deaths offer or simple safety concerns can in Greater Manchester and 2,500 Getting people active by greening Greening our towns and cities, all play a part in people not taking in Yorkshire due to air pollution. their environment has to be a clear and achieving a culture shift where advantage of them. From mental The sooner we replicate Lancaster priority. Over the last two decades, more people, particularly in deprived health and physical activity to the University’s experiment and line obesity amongst adult men has communities, feel motivated to get safety of the air we breathe, trees every street with trees, the quicker increased from 13% to 27% of the out and get active in a woodland have a clear and urgent role to play in we’ll reap the very tangible benefits.

Heat is reflected off provide of buildings and paved Urban trees Reduced level shade which cools surfaces where there of heat stroke localised areas during extreme is little vegetation temperature days Green space provides Hot opportunity for healthy, active lifestyles Improved Trees shade buildings Vegetated areas neighbourhood reducing the need for air around cities air quality conditioning which reduces stay cooler fossil fuel consumption

Cool

Cool

Air pollution Better mental costs £20bn wellbeing per year in greener Trees cut outdoor environments and indoor air pollution by 50% Northern Forest Manifesto | 19 Northern Forest Manifesto | 21

As humankind strives to keep global temperatures below a 2°C rise, a new Northern Forest could be a fundamental contributor to our efforts. Fifty million more trees planted from Liverpool to Hull will absorb hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon every year. Those trees could also help to keep our cities and towns cool and shaded, and play a real part in reducing the risk of floods.

Play it cool, plant a tree.

Forests in the UK hold around 150 wood fuel is carbon neutral and million tonnes of carbon in their timber can replace more carbon- biomass and 640 million tonnes of intensive products, such as carbon in their soil. Each year they building materials like steel.2 Cooling soak up a further 10 million tonnes.1 One rotation of conifer forest across In fact if you look at our low just half a hectare is, very roughly, woodland cover compared to our able to soak up as much carbon European neighbours, our entire as an average driver generates in landscape is a carbon sink waiting to an entire lifetime of motoring. be filled. The UK’s overall woodland cover stands at just 13% of our land So if we increased the North’s area.3 By comparison Germany boasts the canopy canopy cover significantly, the a level of cover at 33%; France is carbon impact would be profound. 31%; Italy is 32% and if you move If we hit our target of 50 million north to, for example Sweden, 68% trees, and average around 500 trees of their land area is forest.4 If we per hectare, we’d establish overall planted enough new woodland to 100,000 hectares of woodland come to even half of Germany’s, at with the potential to absorb up 16% of our land area, it would be to 60 megatons of carbon dioxide enough to absorb 10% of our overall Climate change, urban by the time we hit the 2050s. greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.5 Better management of woodland Worryingly though, we’ve been for fuel and timber can also planting fewer trees and not more, in resilience and slowing the flow reduce carbon emissions, as recent years. Figures for woodland Cooling the canopy Northern Forest Manifesto | 23

Overall woodland cover process of evapotranspiration, would increase the maximum where water evaporates from the surface temperature by up to 7°C surface of a tree’s leaves, into the in high density residential areas.6 atmosphere. They also provide shading in the warmer months, Green infrastructure (trees, which provides relief in particular parklands, gardens and green spaces)

13% 31% 33% 32% 68% for more vulnerable groups of people lowers temperatures in urban areas UK France Germany Italy Sweden and reduces air conditioning costs. significantly. Grassed surfaces in Trees also help to ‘slow the flow’ of tree shade can be 15-20°C cooler rainwater, particularly in upland than hot, sun-drenched tarmac and areas, and their roots can help to the air temperature in tree shade creation in England in 2016/17 put to a negative cost – i.e. a positive stabilise soils and reduce runoff. can be 4-7°C lower than in the sun.7 the amount of woodland created economic gain – of £50 per tonne for Urban parks with dense vegetation at just 525 hectares. That’s the forests producing energy crops.5 In short if you had to design a are on average 1°C cooler than lowest rate of woodland creation carbon-absorbing, shade giving, built up areas during the day.8 in a generation and just 10% of A resilient aesthetically pleasing cool air what we need to achieve according machine that also reduced flood risk, With the triple headline benefits to the government’s own planting Northern landscape you’d pretty much come up with a tree. of managing temperatures, surface targets set in 2013. Almost all of that water and air quality, urban trees woodland creation is broadleaves From over-grazed uplands to our are a vital part of our response to too. Whilst broadleaves are extremely flood-prone towns and cities, trees climate change. Large canopies offer valuable, we need to better balance can help us adapt to climate change the most significant benefits and it the scale between broadleaves and as well as to reduce our carbon If Greater Manchester was is important that the right species conifers to reap maximum rewards. emissions; in fact, their role in are selected, so as not to increase helping us cope with the impacts of to increase its tree cover urban ozone or increase water stress. A sustained regime of woodland climate change could be critical. There are also perceived concerns creation, as we’re proposing across by 10%, it would neutralise around windthrow and subsidence the North of England, would offer And the need for climate adaptation which need to be overcome. a huge ‘debit’ against our carbon is an inevitability. Even if we achieve, the heat island effect. account over the years ahead, with against some stiff odds, a zero carbon Delivering ‘city cooling’ and climate differing levels of carbon reduction economy later on this century, the change adaptation through increased offered depending on whether the gases we’ve already emitted will The benefits have been quantified. levels of tree cover is a vital part of end-use of the woodland created remain in the atmosphere for the full In our towns and cities there is our new prospectus for a Northern was mixed use, timber production duration of our lifetimes. A significant a phenomenon known as the Forest. However, a critical starting or energy. By creating a sustained level of warming will occur, regardless ‘heat island’ effect, where denser, point has to be a comprehensive and campaign facilitated by community of our actions. In fact, we’re already more built up districts experience up to date survey of current levels of forest partnerships, hand in hand with seeing the start of the climate shift higher temperatures than city urban tree cover, and a mechanism city regions and metro mayors, we in year-on-year hikes in average outskirts or rural areas. for carefully monitoring those levels, In 2016/17 can also reduce the complexity that temperatures and an increasing ensuring that any losses in cover has dogged new woodland grants. regularity of extreme weather events. A study conducted by the University are taken into account and that England of Manchester examined what clearer guidelines are established As a strategy for carbon removal, We’re steering into the skid of trees might mean for this effect, to encourage increased levels of created 525 woodland creation offers a great unavoidable climate change and a wider global warming trends, tree cover in town centres and hectares of return on investment too. According major programme of greening and and the urban environment. The high density residential areas. to the Forestry Commission’s own planting will be needed to lessen research team found that if Greater woodland, Read Report on the role forestry can the impact and reduce the harm Manchester was to increase its tree As events in some of our Northern play in our efforts to combat climate caused. This is the second key way cover by 10%, it would neutralise cities have shown, it is far too just 10% of change, an affordable cost per tonne in which trees play a critical part the heat island effect, stabilising easy to see major tree removal what we need of CO2 is considered to be anything in responding to climate change. temperature levels at or below the programmes occurring, without any below £100. Depending upon the 1961-1990 baseline average through coherent plan for replacement or to achieve type of woodland created, the cost Trees work in a few different evapotranspiration (as well as amelioration of the impact this will per tonne of locking up CO2 through ways to reduce climate impact. through providing shade). Conversely, have on urban climate change. our planting woodland creation ranges from First of all they are nature’s air a 10% decrease in urban greening targets. £75 for broadleaf farm woodland conditioning units through the Cooling the canopy Northern Forest Manifesto | 25

Slow the flow, Planting 50 million trees across the Green infrastructure intercepts, Dig in, make it happen North will have a significant impact infiltrates, stores and evaporates weather the storm on water management and quality. rainwater, thereby reducing the The best time to plant a tree was The rivers of the new Northern Forest rate and volume of water entering a generation ago, but the second After the sun, comes the rain. Climate drain the conurbations of Liverpool, drains and limiting the risk of them best time is now. Climate change change scenarios for the North of Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield being overwhelmed during extreme represents the most significant England show a hike in both summer and Hull with vast catchments at rainfall. Runoff can be reduced by danger to the long-term health and winter temperatures over the 2,030km2 for the Mersey, 1,932km2 60% by trees over hard surfaces and of global ecosystems as well as course of the coming century, but for the Aire, 818km2 for the Warfe by nearly 100% by grassland.19 A our very way of life and, currently, they also reveal a change in likely and 1,256km2 for the Don.13 hectare of grassland and broadleaved humankind’s efforts to curb our rainfall patterns too. The weather is The best woodland in the UK can evaporate, collective carbon emissions are becoming much more unpredictable Along riversides in particular – so respectively, 3.4 and 4.0 million litres not delivering fast enough. but current projections are that our called ‘riparian forest’ – planting time to plant of water per precipitation event. summers could be up to 40% drier trees can make a major difference. The latest calls from scientists by the 2080s while our winters could Research shows that strategically a tree was Modelling conducted on Manchester and climate experts are for us be up to 30% wetter, particularly planting trees can be effective a generation shows that adding 10% of green to aim for a ‘zero carbon’ Britain to the west of the British Isles.9 at reducing peak flood flows. space can reduce runoff by 5-6%, by the middle of this century. To In one study, restoring riparian ago. The and adding green roofs to all achieve that we need to accelerate And when it does rain, it’s set to forest cover over 20-40% of one buildings in densely built-up areas our tree planting to absorb more be heavier. By the 2080s, intense catchment area reduced flood second best could reduce runoff by 17-20%. emissions, boost our use of wood winter precipitation events (that’s peak magnitude by over 19%.14 time is now. as a fuel and building resource, and snow as well as rain) that are Across the Northern Forest, in our we need to fully deploy trees and experienced generally once every On rural pasture, reforestation of towns and cities, thousands of homes green infrastructure as a central two years on average, may become previously grazed sheep pasture remain at risk of flooding. Whilst trees strategy for adapting to the climate between 5-20% heavier each time.10 could increase infiltration of rain can’t hold back the floodwaters, they changes that will come our way. UK climate predictions are into the soil by 67 times, and reduce can be part of a smart solution for for a fivefold increase in rainfall surface runoff volume by up to 78%.15 making a river catchment less prone intensity this century – an Urban catchment forests could to flooding, and they can boost the extenuation of drought periods.11 be used to combat surface water quality of our water too. flooding; interception by leaves and When all that rain hits a hardened stems can reduce the amount of landscape, trodden by hooves and rainfall reaching the ground by as denuded of trees, the water runs much 45%.16 Grass and tree pits Tree planting for off, takes some topsoil with it, and can slow the flow further, reducing The SOURCE partnership was established back in can become a flood risk further runoff by 99% and 60% compared flood management 2010 with community activists and long-standing down the catchment. In addition, to tarmac.17 Tree pits accelerate White Rose Forest partner, Treesponsibility. An if the water’s not held in the infiltration of water too, whilst Location: Upper Calder catchment experienced and well-oiled community tree landscape long enough, aquifers grasses are effective at slowing sheet planting group, they reached out to other groups may become insufficiently recharged overland flow. Interception slows the Partners: Treesponsibility, Environment Agency, and organisations in the Upper Calder Valley for our ongoing water supplies. rate in which dry deposition of surface Woodland Trust, Suma, Calderdale Council, to inspire a genuine community approach to pollutants are washed off highways, Slow the Flow Calderdale, National Trust, catchment management. They aim to minimize The Northern Forest has real whilst the aggregates that are used in Yorkshire Water, Pennine Prospects the risk of flash flooding in the Upper Calder Valley potential to help address these tree pits can filter out fine sediment through: appropriately sited tree-planting and problems. Well designed areas of that can smother fish spawning beds. moorland management; treating damaged land planting have the potential to ‘slow and controlling erosion; improving the quality of the flow’ and help reduce flood risk. This secondary benefit in terms the River Calder; and undertaking educational While hard measures such as flood of filtering out pollution from water activities and encouraging volunteering so that defences and barriers in our towns is worth noting too. Only 22% of people of all ages and from all walks of life become and cities may well be needed, natural waterbodies across the North are at aware of the value of our rivers and uplands. water retention further upstream good ecological health status18, and and holding water in the landscape rainwater draining from hardstanding Since Boxing Day 2015, Treesponsibility has is an investment worth making too.12 carries pollutants including grit, planted over 15,500 trees and nearly a kilometre bacteria, oils and detergents, of hedge with the help of 1,200 volunteers, which is part of the problem. Science of Floods – Schools Workshop many of them children from local schools. Organised by South Pennines Local Nature Partnership Northern Forest Manifesto | 27 Northern Forest Manifesto | 29

It’s a source of shade, a carbon store and an object of beauty. It’s a wildlife habitat, grows fruit and can stabilise soils. For some, it’s just there to climb. A tree is many things but it’s also a low carbon resource that can create beautiful buildings, be a source of renewable energy, and underpin many thousands of jobs. For the Northern Forest, wood will be the pivotal resource for the future.

The thing about the forestry industry run sawmills and timber processing is that the more active it is as a plants and then the producers of sector, the more economic, social and products and wood chips for fuel, the environmental benefits it produces. forestry sector is truly vast. More, and better managed, forests protect flora and fauna, become It’s important to note that many of places for people to play and escape these people are employed in small, to, produce more timber products, family-run businesses, providing create more jobs and lock up more secure jobs in rural areas where Resourcing carbon.1 And it’s this ability to create there are few alternative options. And jobs that is key. Quite simply, there it’s also worth noting that these are are opportunities to be had through increasingly in innovative businesses planting and maintaining our trees that offer sustainable products and and woodland. services.

In England alone, the forestry sector Let’s take a look at Cumbria. The supports around 80,000 jobs and is UK’s largest sawmill is BSW in worth £2 billion to the UK economy Carlisle, where it employs 140 people. In England the the future 2 every year. Hardly insignificant, and a Every year, BSW spends £15 million forestry sector sector with the capacity to grow and on logs and processes 320,000m3 of supports around stimulate the economy even further. timber, which results in an annual turnover of £32 million. Up the road 80,000 jobs So what are these ‘green-collar’ in Workington, Iggesund makes jobs? What are the people working paperboard products, employs 500 and is worth in the forestry sector actually doing? people and has an annual turnover More wood, more timber From the fundamental job of growing of £144 million. And in Penrith, A W trees, through to woodland owners Jenkinson is a timber products and to£2bn the UK economy and estate managers, the contractors by-products merchant employing every year. who maintain, harvest and buy the 350 people and boasting an annual and green-collar jobs timber, and on to the people who turnover of £150 million.3 Resourcing the future Northern Forest Manifesto | 31

studios and offices, as well as the By 2030, wood fuel from the National Forest is The future is timber archives and local studies collections expected to produce enough energy to supply of Hull City Council and the University electricity to 26,900 homes. That’s the equivalent Wood is also a critical resource in of Hull. It was to be a focal point for the green economy. We’ve explored the community, and an architectural to a town around the size of Loughborough. its role in creating jobs, but it’s also beacon for the city. a resource in its own right. Timber frames, furniture, flooring, fuel and A new public arcade runs the full paper are all products we can create length of the building – an arcade from wood. So what is the potential constructed from glue laminated for the Northern Forest to contribute timber (or ‘glulam’). Timber was the to this green economy? perfect solution for the structure, with its smooth, sweeping curves Take the environmental impact of cocooning the walk beneath. using timber as a resource. Concrete By 2030, wood fuel from the National has led to increasing demand for wood uses five times as much energy to There was also a heritage reason Forest is expected to produce enough fuel.8 It’s estimated that the wood fuel produce as timber; steel six times. In behind the timber. As a trading energy to supply electricity to 26,900 supply chain could generate £1bn GVA terms of construction, switching to a port, Hull was the gateway for the homes. That’s the equivalent to a town (Gross Value Added) and over 15,000 timber frame could save four tonnes import of Baltic timber into the UK. around the size of Loughborough.6 jobs to the UK economy by 2020.9 of carbon dioxide per house. There are The timber used on this project is a 650,000 new homes planned across European whitewood, manufactured If that’s what planting 8.5 The Northern Forest is primed to the Northern Forest area in the next by the Kingston Craftsmen in their million trees can do, the Northern take advantage of this growth. 20 years; switching to timber could workshop, a mere hop, step and Forest, with a planned 50 million save over two million tonnes jump from the History Centre’s new trees, could make a huge – and of carbon dioxide. Just think about location. critical – impact on employment Essential investment that: over two million tonnes. That’s rates and the forestry sector right equal to the annual carbon footprint And to top it all off, the History across the North of England. Trees are unequivocally of over 200,000 UK citizens. Centre was the Structural Award interconnected to the way we lead Winner at the Wood Awards in 2010.4 And the type of timber matters. our daily lives. They can provide jobs, And that’s not all. Timber is Softwood is the ‘bread and butter’ of homes and energy. It’s because of organic, it enhances biodiversity, the timber industry. At a time when this that there are calls to remove it’s recyclable, and it doesn’t leave The potential exists restocking of productive forests the public forest estate from the great extraction scars across the is not happening at sustainable electoral cycle. Trees have lifecycles landscape. All in all, it’s the ultimate Plans for the Northern Forest are levels, the careful planning and of several decades or even centuries. sustainable construction material. unique. There’s no comparable forest management of softwood forests is Decisions being made now will be One of the oldest building materials scheme in the UK that comes close key. Only 50% of felled woodland is seen much, much further down the in the world clearly has a place in our to the proposed 50 million trees to being restocked with softwood. In line. Policy changes every five years modern landscape. be planted from Liverpool to Hull, terms of new planting, whilst 52,200 due to changes in government will taking in Manchester, Chester, hectares of new forests have been never allow our forests to reach Leeds and Sheffield. planted, just 12,100 hectares are their full potential to create jobs 650,000 7 Sustainable, conifers needed for the industry. and skills, resource and income. But there is the National Forest in the There are 650,000 award-winning new homes Midlands. In 2016, the National Forest No matter how you look at it, trees celebrated its 25th anniversary. Fuelling the fire are an essential resource. Yes, there planned across the Of course, over in Hull, they know During that time, over 8.5 million are alternatives, but a healthy, vibrant Northern Forest exactly how remarkable timber can be. trees have been planted, increasing Alongside timber for construction, and commercially viable forestry area in the next 20 forest cover from 6% to 20%. To date, wood fuel is a key growth area. Gone sector is essential to the health of years; switching Hull History Centre is on the North- the Forest has delivered £140m of are the days when we ripped out our the UK economy. And across the key to timber could eastern edge of the city centre, on a net public benefit, secured 333 jobs old wood burning stoves for, let’s face towns, cities and rural areas of the save over two key route between the city centre and in forestry, farm diversification and it, a gas or electric imitation; now Northern Forest, the investment in million tonnes of the River Hull. The brief was to create woodland businesses and has nine we’re seeking out wood and multi- natural capital could signal a new a highly visible landmark to house a wood fuel installations using wood as fuel burning stoves. Sales have more chapter of prosperity. carbon dioxide. library, search room, lecture theatre, a resource for renewable energy.5 than doubled since 2005, and this Northern Forest Manifesto | 33

Wood allotments Wood allotments is a new scheme developed Location: Merseyside in The Mersey Forest which enables woodland owners to engage local communities and Partners: The Mersey Forest, Friends of manage their woods at the same time. Anderton and Marbury, Cheshire West and Chester Council The concept is simple. Local wood burning stove and fire owners pay a small fee to the landowner for the chance to harvest logs from carefully marked trees within a young woodland. They get fresh air, exercise and a cheap, locally sourced renewable fuel, while the woodland receives important thinning to ensure its future health.

Following a very successful pilot with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Friends of Anderton and Marbury, many more local authorities are now developing woodland allotments of their own. In addition, The Mersey Forest team is developing an online hub for wood allotments in the region, woodallotments.com, where potential "allotmenteers" will be able to browse existing allotments, contact the landowner, or suggest where they would like to see new allotments.

Cheshire Rural Biomass (CheRuB)

Location: Trafford, Cheshire from wood-fueled heating systems. The project trained both operators of wood fuel systems and Partners: The European Agricultural Fund for existing heating engineers in modern wood fuel Rural Development, Department for systems. The programme installed biomass boilers Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, of three varieties across key locations in Trafford. The Mersey Forest These were a batch-log system at Trafford Mill, a wood pellet-fired boiler with a district heating With the price of fossil fuels constantly rising network at Trafford Mill, and a wood pellet air – particularly for those living in rural areas – heater at The Grange Farm. Five heating engineers wood fuel systems provide a modern, reliable were part-funded to take a conversion course heating system alternative to their gas and oil from gas and oil systems to wood fuel systems. counterparts. The systems are carbon-neutral, 25 participants also took part in an Easy and in certain cases have been proven to reduce Deployment training course. By installing these carbon emissions by 90% compared to electricity- biomass boilers The Mersey Forest and partners powered equivalents. The Cheshire Rural Biomass were able to create a localized supply chain, project helped people and organisations to benefit in turn stimulating local economies. Northern Forest Manifesto | 35

While we discuss the benefits of trees to our lives, let’s not forget the fundamental role they play in ecosystems, for biodiversity and as habitats. They provide places for our wildlife to roam, and spaces for us to explore, relax and play. Our natural environment is not simply ‘nice to have’, it’s essential to life on Earth.

Biodiversity is key to the survival butterflies was habitat loss.2 The of all life on Earth. From the tallest situation is so severe that it could tree to the smallest insect and far lead to the extinction of many species. beyond, biodiversity encompasses If we’re not careful, this could be everything that’s alive on our planet. the start of a dangerous trend. If we lose biodiversity, we lose food, water, fresh air.1 Protecting it is The decisions we make today will The decisions It’s in your not a choice. We need to conserve, impact on the future for generations enhance and create the conditions to come. It’s important we get it right. we make for our ecosystems to thrive. today will The ecological value of woodland It’s something that’s been taken is a given. Whether it’s an ancient impact on seriously in the UK for many woodland or a city park, the years. We were the first country presence of trees has a huge the future for to produce a national biodiversity impact on biodiversity. A study in generations nature action plan. That was back in 1994, Merseyside found that the amount and the strategies and action of green spaces – and particularly to come. It’s plans that have been created in trees – such as parks, gardens its wake aim to conserve, protect and cemeteries, had the greatest important we and enhance biological diversity. influence on an area’s ecology.3 If get it right. there’s enough, you may even find Habitats, biodiversity, a natural Losing habitats means losing rare and endangered species. That’s species. A report from the plants, flowers, birds, butterflies, International Union for Conservation mammals… it’s about creating of Nature (IUCN) stated that the and protecting the right habitats connection, natural capital single biggest threat to European for the natural world to thrive. It’s in your nature Northern Forest Manifesto | 37

Natural connections

And it’s not just about surviving in one area. There’s new housing, facilities and infrastructure a need for connectivity; to overcome fragmentation will undoubtedly impact on our habitats, and create the ‘stepping stones’ between tree, park ecosystems and biodiversity.Of course, the and forest. These ecological networks are high services that our natural capital provides – clean quality sites, with the diverse habitats needed for air, water, food, fuel, medicines and resources A report from the International Union for an array of species to live in and move between.4 – will also be in much higher demand. In the Northern Forest, it’s about wildlife being Conservation of Nature (IUCN) stated that able to move seamlessly from Liverpool to Hull. But this concept of natural capital is a powerful tool that can help us all understand everything The concept of natural corridors is tried and that we get from the natural world. It puts tested. When Birmingham developed its wildlife environmental planning at the heart of decision the single biggest threat conservation strategy back in 1997, it was making, recognising that enhancing the quantity, built around the notion of corridors. In London, quality, location and accessibility of natural capital the South East London Green Chain links 300 can enhance investment, wellbeing and sense of open spaces over 40 miles.5 The Northern place.10 Crucially, it’s about long-term planning to European butterflies Forest can do the same, albeit on a much rather than the ‘quick fixes’, with the emphasis larger scale across the North of England. firmly on the added value that a healthy natural environment can bring, both now and in the future. We can’t forget the connections between people was habitat loss and nature. It’s something explored earlier in The aptly-named Local Nature Partnerships (LNP) this prospectus, but the opportunity to be in, are key to this. Bringing together organisations, and connect with, our natural environment businesses and individuals from a whole range means happier and healthier communities.6 of sectors, their aim is to put the environment at the very heart of decision making. It’s an aim that has been charged by government and Natural capital matters means taking a strategic, long-term view of opportunities and challenges in order to plan The Government’s Conservation Strategy was and manage the natural environment for the published in October 2016. Time will tell if it benefit of people, nature and the economy. survives, but the ideas it sets out hold true: “In order to reverse biodiversity loss, sustain The Northern Forest supports this approach, distinctive landscapes and enhance engagement and will play a critical role; a large-scale, with nature, we need a new approach.”7 cross-country woodland creation programme that sets out to enhance the economy, It’s an approach known as ‘natural capital’, environment and quality of life in the North of defined by the Natural Capital Committee as ‘the England. It’s a long-term ambition, involving elements of nature that produce value (directly numerous partners and securing social, and indirectly) to people, such as the stock of economic and environmental benefits. forests, rivers, land, minerals and oceans’.8 Of course, we already have a wealth of natural capital Quite simply, we need to create and conserve in England. National Parks, forests, parks, farm natural capital to sustain human life. As The land, woodland – all have been shaped, conserved Lawton Review states: “The essence of what needs and harmed in varying measure over the years. to be done to enhance the resilience and coherence of England’s ecological network can be summarised However, natural capital is already under in four words: more, bigger, better and joined.” 4 pressure. With an extra nine million people living in England by 20409, the demand for Enter, the Northern Forest… Northern Forest Manifesto | 39 Our Northern Forest, our legacy The time We started this prospectus with the notion that we live in a time where almost anything could happen. to create a But what of the future? What will that hold for the next generation? What will our actions, our Northern Forest decisions and our priorities leave as an inheritance?

The Northern Forest is a plan to plant 50 million on the campfire and explore nature at first hand. is now trees in and around the northern cities of Liverpool, Or if a night under canvas isn’t your style, check Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and Hull. Today, this into one of the local B&Bs that have set up thanks area accounts for 13 million people and a woodland to farm and landowner diversification. Go for a cover that’s lower than the England average. But romp in the woods, den building, bird watching or there are 650,000 new homes planned, £75 billion wildflower spotting followed by a hearty meal in the of infrastructure in the pipeline and, in many areas, local pub. Live a life where beautiful and accessible new powers being exercised through devolution. woodland is part of growing up. Where children Devolution provides an opportunity to better learn to appreciate the value of nature and the manage woodlands and tree planting initiatives in importance of trees, and are hardwired to protect it. a much more localised way, tailoring programmes and projects to the areas’ specific needs. In the face of a changing climate and more extreme weather events, these trees will play a The time to create a Northern Forest is now. critical role in the lives of our children. Reducing flood risk, cooling the urban environment, Our plans for a Northern Forest is inspired by the cleaning the air they breathe — it’s all about belief that we can leave a better, richer, more varied creating a healthier, stronger, better place to be. and more productive natural environment to our children, and their children. An environment we In this prospectus we have outlined the can be proud to pass on; somewhere that we have fundamental role the Northern Forest could play nurtured, respected and derived true value from. in terms of benefitting our economy, industry, employment, health, wellbeing, sense of place, And the 50 million trees that form the Northern biodiversity and climate. And all of these are Forest would come in all shapes, sizes and scales. critical reasons to make our plans a reality.

It could be something as simple as opening But the real success comes many, many years your front door to a tree-lined street and pointing down the line. When the Northern Forest is out the different leaves of the oak and ash, the delivering its full potential, and generations to helicopters of the sycamore and the conkers come will have somewhere beautiful and resilient of the horse chestnut on the way to school. in which to live, work, explore, learn and play.

Or weekends away in the great outdoors… which The Northern Forest can be this legacy. isn’t all that far from home. Take your first camping trip with the family, pitch up under the trees, cook Delivering a Northern Forest Northern Forest Manifesto | 41

Bridlington

York

Beverley Leeds Bradford Hull Preston Blackburn Halifax

Goole Wakefield Rochdale Southport Scunthorpe Huddersfield Bolton Bury Grimsby Doncaster Manchester Barnsley

Liverpool Sheffield Stockport Birkenhead Warrington Runcorn Buxton Macclesfield Chesterfield Ellesmere Port

Chester Crewe

Wrexham Where should we plant Northern Forest Manifesto | 43 our 50 million trees?

Leeds Hull

Manchester

Liverpool

Sheffield

Chester

White Rose Forest HEY Woods

City of Trees South Yorkshire Forest

Mersey Forest References Northern Forest Manifesto | 45

Panta Rhei - everything flows 13. Kaplan, R. (1993). The role of nature in the context of the workplace. 4. Forestry Commission (2015). Forestry Facts and Figures 2015. 6. National Forest Company (2014). The National Forest – Landscape and Urban Planning 26: 193-201. Available at: www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCFS215.pdf/$FILE/FCFS215.pdf Economic impact and future economic potential. Available at: www.nationalforest.org/document/research/Summary_Economic_ 1. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (2017). 14. Lohr, V.I., Pearson-Mims, C.H. and Goodwin, G.K. (1996). Interior plants 5. Read, D.J. et al (eds) (2009). Combating climate change – a role Impact_and_Potential%20April_2014.pdf Forestry in England: Seeing the wood for the trees. Fifth may improve worker productivity and reduce stress in a windowless for UK forests. An assessment of the potential of the UK’s trees and Report of Session 2016-17. Available at: https://publications. environment. 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It’s in your nature communities the power to shape, enhance and create beautiful places, Third report to the Economic Affairs Committee. Available at: www. 9. UK Climate Projections (2009). Briefing report Section 5. developments and spaces. Available at: http://www.respublica.org.uk/wp- gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ Available at http://ukclimateprojections.metoffice.gov.uk/media. content/uploads/2015/07/Right-to-Beauty-Final-1.pdf 1. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2011). Biodiversity file/516725/ncc-state-natural-capital-third-report.pdf jsp?mediaid=87864&filetype=pdf 2020: A strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services. Available at: 18. Europe Economics (2015). The Economic Benefits of Woodland. A report 6. Calculations taken from local planning documents at the 10. Murphy, J. et al (2010). UK Climate Projections science report: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ for the Woodland Trust. 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