Ask General Election candidates to champion woods and trees

Successful candidates in the General Election will make important decisions about nature across England over the next five years, but the impacts will last for generations.

Trees are key to happy communities, to a robust economy and a healthy environment. They should not be a luxury. From boosting biodiversity and house prices to reducing pollution and even crime rates, they are essential to our daily life and our future.

Putting woods and trees high on the political agenda is crucial. Urge candidates to recognise the value of woods and trees where you live. Ask them to champion:

• funding and support to help local authorities plant trees where they’re needed most so the benefits of increased tree cover can be felt by everyone.
• support for land managers to plant and manage native woodland.
• new forestry legislation to protect and improve the public forest estate for the long term benefit of people, wildlife and climate.
• new laws to better protect our most important ancient trees and ancient woods.
• a new Trees Action Plan for England which sets out the funding and actions needed to deliver for people, nature and climate.

Election results will impact nature in your local area

On 4 July, thousands of candidates will stand in the General Election hoping to represent you.

Your elected MP plays a crucial role in decisions about creating and managing woods, trees and other green spaces, from woodland creation targets to tree protection efforts. The decisions they make will shape the landscape of our natural environment and impact the wellbeing of current and future generations, where you live and across the country.

This is a huge opportunity to encourage candidates to see the value of trees in our communities, to tackle the nature and climate crises and create a brighter, healthier future for people and wildlife. Our combined voices have the power to make change happen.