Election candidates need to make clear plans for woods and trees

Your local authority is the first line of defence for woods and trees, with the power to make important decisions about development and tree protection in your area. Thank you to everyone who urged candidates in England’s 2024 local and mayoral elections to recognise the value of woods and trees where you live.

Elections are a huge opportunity to encourage candidates to see the value of trees in our communities. Our combined voices have the power to make change happen and create a brighter, healthier future.

Thank you for asking your candidates to commit to:

• increase tree canopy cover
• protect ancient woodland and veteran trees
• ensure equitable access to the benefits of trees
• lead urgently needed nature recovery efforts
• protect against tree pests and diseases.

When and where were the 2024 elections?

On 2 May 2024, thousands of candidates stood for mayoral and local elections across England, hoping to represent you. Mayoral elections took place in:

• East Midlands
• Greater London Area
• Greater Manchester
• Liverpool City Region
• North East
• South Yorkshire
• Tees Valley
• West Midlands
• West Yorkshire
• York and North Yorkshire. 

With so many elections taking place, we focused our campaigning on candidates running for mayor, as mayors have more power and influence than most councillors and more potential to make a difference. 

What happens now?

Your local representatives play a crucial role in creating and managing green infrastructure, like woods and trees. They can safeguard existing trees, promote local tree planting projects, and create equitable access to the huge benefits of trees for everyone.

We'll be in touch with successful candidates to keep encouraging action for woods and trees in their constituencies. As part of that work, we'll also urge them to consider our five priorities for General Election manifestos when making decisions.