RSE - tree planting inquiry evidence - Butterfly Conservation 2024

We seek to establish the extent to which current practices are delivering these benefits, how far they represent good public value in the short and long term, and what more, if anything, could be done to improve public benefits in tackling the climate-nature crisis and the economic and social well-being of resident communities by tree planting, woodland and commercial forest management. [...] Do you have evidence on the role tree species choice and composition have in influencing biodiversity, timber production, flood management, and other outcomes? Do the species of trees and the mix of species help, hinder or change the balance of the benefits being sought? [500 words] Response: The greater resilience of native trees mean that they are more likely to deliver for climate, as well as f. [...] The combination of density of planting (2000 stems per hectare), limited species range and large area of planting provides an ideal feeding and breeding site for the adult beetles leading to the loss of 50% or more of unprotected young trees. [...] The hill livestock sector is an important component of the rural economy in the south of Scotland but is vulnerable to changes in subsidy in the post-Brexit period. [...] Do you have evidence that any of these payments have unintended results? [500 words] Response: As a long-term land manager the current system is able to offer payments for the actual planting of trees and the management of the woodland for the first ten years.