“To make this programme successful and get trees in the ground we had to balance economic, social, and environmental needs. We are changing what, where and how we plant so that we will have more diverse forests which are climate resilient and biodiversity friendly. Our aim is to encourage balanced planting between broadleaves and conifers. Our forests will continue to have many different functions – whether it is delivering for carbon sequestration and storage, homes of the future, supporting habitat creation, protecting waterways, delivering jobs, and providing important outdoor amenity spaces for our citizens and tourists alike. I don’t think any other sector can deliver so many positives for society and we are now on the right path to getting that balance correct.”