In the Shadow of Europe's Trees: Looking at the UK's Struggling Forests

15 Apr

In the mosaic of Europe's landscapes, the United Kingdom stands out as one of the least densely forested countries. With a mere 13% tree coverage, it pales compared to the lush greenery adorning 38% of the European Union's territory and the global average of 31%. The numbers paint a stark picture: the UK harbours nearly a third less tree coverage than the continental norm.

In this article, we embark on a journey through the verdant realms of the UK's forests, delving into the intricacies of its tree coverage. But our exploration continues; we'll also cast our gaze across Europe, examining the nations boasting exceptional forestation rates and those grappling with even lower coverage than the UK. Join us as we uncover the complexities of tree coverage on both a national and continental scale.

Tree coverage in the UK

In the absence of human presence, vast swathes of Great Britain, except Scotland, would be adorned with mature oak trees. Trees contend with threats posed by fungi, parasites, and pests despite favourable forestry conditions.

As of 2023, the woodland coverage across the UK spans an estimated 3.25 million hectares, constituting 13% of the nation's total land area. Scotland boasts the highest proportion at 19%, followed by Wales at 15%, England at 10%, and Northern Ireland at 9%. Approximately 0.86 million hectares of this woodland area is owned or managed by Forestry England, Forestry and Land Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, or the Forest Service in Northern Ireland. The government recognises the biodiversity crisis and the benefits of increasing green coverage. However, year after year, the central government is slipping on targets. Coverage is so disparate, and some tree numbers are so low that trees can't reproduce naturally.

Projections from the Woodland Carbon Code suggest that trees in the UK are poised to absorb 8.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over their lifespan of up to 100 years. However, a 2021 report by the Woodland Trust revealed that merely 7% of the UK's native woodlands are in good condition. Various diseases—ash dieback, for example—are currently destroying UK forests, and the damage will be longstanding.

Tree Coverage in Europe

In Europe, the average tree coverage stands at 39%, beating the global average of 31% by 8%. This marks a significant rise of 10% since 1990. However, the extent of coverage varies significantly across European countries; for instance, Malta only has 1% coverage, while Finland boasts 72% forestry coverage.

Comparatively, European forests exhibit a healthier trend than those in other continents. Over the past three decades, the continent has witnessed an increase of approximately 17 million hectares in forest cover, with half of this area actively planted by governmental or conservation organisations.

With a proactive stance, the European environmental agency aims to curtail deforestation across the continent by 2030 and elevate the forest coverage to a minimum of 50%. Individual European nations have implemented stringent environmental protection laws to mitigate climate change's adverse effects and safeguard their natural ecosystems from degradation.

Finland

Approximately 72% of Finland's land area is covered by forests, amounting to just over 22.2 million hectares. These forests are predominantly coniferous, primarily composed of pine and spruce, constituting nearly 90% of the total forested area. Remarkably, 96% of these forests retain a semi-natural state, showcasing traces of human influence, while merely 4% are considered disturbed.

Sweden

Sweden boasts a forested area of approximately 28 million hectares, constituting 68.95% of its total land mass. The nation is committed to preserving its forests and implementing measures to curb deforestation. However, with a growing population, there's mounting pressure on this vital resource. Among Sweden's trees are oak, alder, Norway spruce, European beech, and Scots pine.

*An example of woodland coverage in Finland*

Spain

Spain boasts 18.4 million hectares of forested land, constituting approximately 36.7% of its total area. Many of these woodlands stretch across the Iberian Peninsula, reaching into Portugal. Moreover, Spain's forests encompass protected national parks. Over the last four decades, around 8 million hectares of forest have been planted nationwide.

Lowest European Countries

Malta

At one time, Malta boasted lush forests, predominantly of pine trees. However, in the 1500s, the necessity for warships to counter perceived Muslim threats led to extensive tree harvesting. Throughout the subsequent five centuries, attempts have been made to replenish the island's arboreal population. Yet, despite these efforts, Malta holds the title of the European country with the least tree coverage relative to its land mass. Today, Malta's forest cover stands at a mere 1.4%.

Netherlands

Currently, the Netherlands boasts a woodland coverage of approximately 11%. This figure is influenced by the nation's status as Europe's most densely populated country, with 394 individuals per square kilometre. The country is dotted with a network of small and medium-sized cities, and a significant portion of the land is dedicated to agricultural purposes.

Ireland

Centuries ago, Ireland was once blanketed by trees, encompassing over 80% of its land. Yet, these forests were systematically felled over time to clear space for fields and pastures. By 1925, only 1% of the island retained its woodland cover. Those few remaining trees clung to lands deemed unsuitable for agricultural use. In the last century, Ireland has worked to bring tree coverage to 11.4%, where it stands today.

Denmark

Denmark was predominantly forested in its early days, yet rampant logging and agricultural expansion dwindled woodland to a mere 2-3% by 1800. Since then, Denmark has endeavoured to increase forest coverage to 15.7%.

To sum up

In conclusion, the disparity in tree coverage between the UK and the rest of Europe is stark. With just 13% tree coverage, the UK lags far behind the EU average of 38% and the global average of 31%. This means that the UK has nearly a third of the tree coverage compared to the European average, highlighting a significant gap in greenery between the UK and its continental neighbours.

In this article, we’ve delved into the complexities of tree coverage in the UK, examining the national statistics and comparing them to the broader European context. While some countries boast exceptionally high coverage rates, others, including the UK, struggle to keep up.

The UK government is falling behind on a goal they and the world are seriously concerned about. Charities and organisations, like Protect Earth, seek to fill the void by protecting and developing biodiversity in the UK. Please donate to our Land Fund, which will enable us to buy land.

Sources

Eoghan McHugh

In the Shadow of Europe's Trees: Looking at the UK's Struggling Forests

Tree coverage in the UK