Forest Research maps every tree outside woodlands in England

In a significant advancement, England's non-woodland trees have been comprehensively mapped using innovative laser detection and satellite imagery techniques. This mapping project, conducted by top scientists at the UK’s Forest Research agency, was made public on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The resulting map provides a detailed representation of single trees across urban and rural settings in England. It is designed to assist conservation groups and local authorities by offering precise locations of solitary trees that can potentially serve as links to nearby wooded areas, thereby enhancing wildlife habitats. This significant endeavor, praised by Sir William Worsley, chairman of the Forestry Commission, highlights the spectacular results achieved by the research team. He emphasized the map's critical role in filling gaps in understanding England's national tree resources and the ecological advantages trees provide. The comprehensive data gathered from this mapping can contribute meaningfully to decisions regarding tree management and conservation efforts. Furthermore, the Environment Department (Defra) underlined that this mapping initiative supports the UK government’s commitment to expand nature-rich habitats, aiming to increase England's overall woodland canopy to 16.5% of total land area by the year 2050. Forestry Minister Mary Creagh noted the immense value of street trees, acknowledging their role in improving air quality and enhancing both the environment and human wellbeing. The mapping project represents a groundbreaking approach to assessing tree canopy cover, allowing for effective identification of areas suitable for increased biodiversity and ecological health. This effort aligns with broader government goals to bolster woodland initiatives, which include the establishment of a national forest and advocating for increased timber use in construction. The technological advancements employed in this project, including laser technology and satellite imagery, have empowered researchers to illustrate the full spectrum of tree coverage across the nation. According to Freddie Hunter, head of remote sensing at Forest Research, this momentous achievement enables a more profound insight into tree cover, marking a pivotal step towards informed future tree-planting undertakings. The map indicates that solitary trees constitute 30% of England's total tree cover, providing vital ecological functions such as carbon storage, temperature regulation, and contributing positively towards mitigating climate change-related impacts. These trees not only support urban environments but also promote health and wellbeing by enhancing nature access and reducing air pollution.