Watch ‘Wood for the trees,’ for expert suggestions to help Britain’s forests grow:

Over the last two years, in a series of ten short films, I’ve spoken with experts from different perspectives and backgrounds, about the future of British forests.

In this series, called ‘Wood for the Trees’ we discussed sustainable timber, forest management, agroforestry, woodland culture, rewilding and biodiversity and how to value the multiple benefits woodlands can bring.

Each guest suggested a policy to support UK forests:

1. Create a coherent plan to support nature across government

2. Bring agriculture and forestry together into one ecological unit

3. Deliver funding to turn policy into practice

4. Value productive woodlands in creating good quality timber

5. Grown in Britain policy for all timber used in public buildings

6. Funding for 19% canopy cover by 2050

7. Control grey squirrel numbers to protect young trees

8. Implement a carbon tax to incentivise local production

9. Always plant improved trees when planting trees for timber

10. All school age children to have access to forest school

11. Prioritise woodland restoration over tree planting

12. All funded tree planting to be accompanied by a long term management plan

Many thanks to our guests: Dr Jo Clark, Future Trees Trust, Dr Gabriel Hemery, Sylva Foundation Jez Ralph, Timber Strategies Doug King Smith, Hillyfield Woodland Farm Alastair Driver, Rewilding Britain Dougal Driver, Grown in Britain Suzi Martineau, Tree Sisters & The Tree Conference Graham Taylor, Pryor & Rickett Silvaculture Chris Smaje, Small Farm Future & Vallis Veg

For more information, or to send us comments and feedback, visit woodforthetrees.uk