England’s non-woodland trees freely mapped for first time

England’s trees outside woodlands have been mapped by satellite and laser are freely available for first time revealing they make up 30% of nation’s tree cover.

Street Trees. Credit: Forestry Commission

England’s non-woodland trees have been mapped for first time, revealing these trees make up nearly third of our nation’s tree cover.  

Using one of the very latest methods of laser detection and satellite imagery, the country’s top tree scientists at the UK Government’s Forest Research agency built a comprehensive picture of non-woodland trees across England. 

The innovative map goes live today (Saturday 5 April). 

By providing a better national picture, the groundbreaking map will allow conservation groups and local authorities to target tree planting efforts more accurately. The map can pinpoint lone trees that could be connected to nearby wooded areas to create better habitat for wildlife in support of the Government’s manifesto commitment to expand nature-rich habitats and help achieve our legal target to increase England’s woodland canopy to 16.5%. 

Our precious street trees improve air quality, mark the changing seasons and provide us with peace, shade and joy. Their value simply cannot be overstated.

“This groundbreaking new tree census will not only help us better understand our current tree canopy cover, but allow us to identify areas where we can create more nature rich habitats for wildlife and people to enjoy as part of our Plan for Change” 

Sir William Worsley, Chair of Forestry Commission said: 

“This has been a real endeavour by the team - the results are spectacular and will be invaluable to us as we strive to meet our legal target to increase tree planting cover.