Economic value of UK’s trees revealed by Forest Research and Defra

Research carried out by Forest Research and Defra has revealed that individual trees (those planted outside of forests) have a total value of £3.8 billion to Great Britain. This figure is based on the number of trees in urban and rural areas and the services they provide to the environment. These services include air purification, carbon dioxide uptake, and shading.

This research counted all trees outside woodlands including all specimens from single trees in urban and rural areas ranging from the classic, spreading hedgerow to the single trees lining our streets.  Collectively, ‘individual trees’ make up almost a quarter of trees in Great Britain.

Trees also provide a sense of well-being and are a place of refuge for wildlife. This research clearly shows that trees play an essential role in the ecosystem. The value of trees has been further highlighted by the fact that trees reduce the carbon footprint of Great Britain, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, reducing damage to infrastructure and people from the impact of flooding, cooling cities in summer and improving health and wellbeing.

Trees mitigating effects of climate change:

• Stores carbon
• Regulating temperatures
• Strengthening flood resilience
• Reducing noise and air pollution.

It is hoped that by quantifying their significant value, the report will help to incentivise councils, land managers and local communities to plant more trees outside of woodlands for the varied and numerous benefits they provide.

As outlined in the Government's England Trees Action Plan, this will contribute to wider Government efforts to treble tree planting rates in England an essential step in helping the UK reach its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Further reading

Press release: Defra, Forest Research & Forestry Commission
Forest Research: Full report 

Written by Owen Baker | Technical Officer