Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the importance of people’s social and cultural connections to trees, as seen in the recent losses of the Sycamore Gap tree and the Whitewebbs oak tree; and, given the widespread threats facing British trees, including Dutch elm disease and chalara ash dieback, what steps they are taking to ensure that these connections are not lost for future generations.

Defra has funded projects through Forest Research to explore methods for quantifying the social and cultural value of trees, woodlands, and forests at risk from pests and diseases. A recent evaluation estimates that these natural assets contribute approximately £3.1 billion annually through recreational use, landscape and biodiversity benefits. Additionally, Forest Research has found that regular woodland visits may contribute to annual savings of £185 million in mental health treatment costs.

Defra recognises the exceptional ecological and sociocultural significance of individual trees, such as the Whitewebbs Oak and the Sycamore Gap tree. Many of these trees are classed as ‘irreplaceable habitat’ and are protected under the National Planning Policy Framework and Biodiversity Net Gain Regulations as well as individual Tree Preservation Orders and Felling Licence regulations.

Defra has conducted a thorough enquiry into the threats and the effectiveness of existing protection measures for England’s most valuable trees. We funded a report led by the Tree Council and Forest Research which assessed the current stewardship and safeguarding measures for our most culturally and ecologically important trees. We are carefully considering its recommendations to identify the most robust and cost-effective approaches to long-term protection, and it will be important to balance our approach with existing priorities and our statutory obligations

We have also reviewed the implementation and effectiveness of the National Planning Policy Framework in safeguarding ancient and veteran trees and ancient woodland from development pressures. While these habitats are strongly protected in planning policy, the review identified implementation challenges. We are now developing policy proposals to ensure that high-value trees are protected not only in policy but also in practice.

Our treescapes face increasing threats from pests and diseases. To address this, we have implemented a robust, risk-based regulatory regime that prioritises biosecurity, surveillance, and horizon scanning. We also run targeted management programmes to prevent the importation and spread of quarantine tree pests and pathogens.

We are investing significantly in research and development to preserve iconic tree species and enhance the resilience of our treescapes. This includes initiatives such as Action Oak, a partnership of over 30 organisations focused on protecting native oaks, and the Living Ash Project, which has created two archives of ash trees resistant to ash dieback disease. Defra has also provided £4 million to the Centre for Forest Protection this financial year to support 17 new research projects to improve tree health and resilience and funded the development of the state-of-the-art Holt Laboratory in Surrey to advance tree health research.