A new analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) finds that Wales is on track to achieve just 14% of its 2030 tree planting target. This is despite strong public support, with 66% of Welsh adults backing more tree planting even if it means converting some farmland. The shortfall amounts to roughly 41,000 hectares of missed woodland creation across the UK, which also means lost carbon removal capacity that will be hard to recover. The study notes that over 70% of carbon removal needed between now and 2050 depends on trees planted in the next five years. Trees also provide flood protection benefits valued at over 400 million pounds per year. Policy uncertainty and land-use economics are cited as key barriers. The Woodland Trust says the UK Tree Planting Taskforce has stalled and failed to deliver outcomes, calling for coordinated plans across all four nations.
