Earthwatch leads coalition of charities urging the Government not to abandon urban tree planting
25th February 2025
A coalition of leading environmental charities and local councils, led by Earthwatch Europe, has today sent a letter to Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature, urging the Government to secure the future of the Nature for Climate Fund (NCF). The letter highlights the vital role of the NCF in supporting urban tree planting, peatland restoration, and nature recovery efforts, all of which provide significant environmental, social, and economic benefits.
Signatories to the letter, who include the RSPB, The Wildlife Trusts, the Woodland Trust and many other local councils and conservation organisations, are calling on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to nature recovery. The signatories stress that delays or cuts to funding would jeopardise critical projects, particularly those in urban areas where access to green space is limited.
Since its launch, the NCF has enabled the planting of over 1,800 hectares of trees in urban and rural areas and has supported projects that enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and improve community well-being. However, with a decision on future funding still on hold, organisations fear that an entire year of tree planting and nature restoration projects could be lost, setting back progress on the Government’s environmental commitments.
Harry Barton, Chief Executive at Earthwatch Europe, said:
“The Nature for Climate Fund has been instrumental in helping communities and local authorities expand tree cover, restore degraded landscapes, and build resilience against climate change. This letter sends a clear message to the Government: funding for nature recovery must continue. Without urgent action, vital projects that have already secured public and private investment will be cancelled or delayed, undermining both environmental and social progress. This letter sends a clear message to the Government: we need more trees in our towns and cities, and we need a national strategy to make it happen. At a time when the Government is focused on housing development, it’s crucial that new homes are connected to nature, not deprived of it. Abandoning urban tree planting schemes would be a grave mistake, undermining both environmental and social goals.”
One of the most impactful aspects of the NCF has been its ability to support the most vulnerable communities. Many projects funded by the programme have targeted areas with limited access to high-quality green space, improving air quality, biodiversity, and mental well-being. For example, through the Local Authority Treescape Fund (LATF), Earthwatch Europe has partnered with 50 local authorities to plant over 100 Tiny Forests—small, fast-growing woodlands that enhance urban environments. These projects have engaged thousands of residents in citizen science, education, and tree care, demonstrating the wider community benefits of nature recovery initiatives.
The letter is signed by many of the largest conservation organisations in the UK, who between them represent millions of members and supporters across country.
Joan Edwards, Director of Policy & Public Affairs for The Wildlife Trusts, said:
‘‘The Nature for Climate Fund reinforces the fact that net zero can’t be achieved without restoring nature. The fund has supported habitat restoration projects across the country, bringing woodland and peatland sites back to health, for the benefit of nature, climate and people. The renewal of the fund now is an essential step for environmental recovery, which we urge the Government to take.”
Kate Sheldon, Chief Executive at Trees for Cities, said:
“The stark truth is that in towns and cities across the UK, most trees grow in affluent areas. Trees for Cities strives for tree equity by empowering people to plant and care for trees in neighbourhoods where they are needed most, bringing a multitude of health and well-being benefits to vulnerable people. Without urgent investment through Nature for Climate Fund, we face immense challenges to plant, protect and care for our urban tree heritage”
The letter urges the Government to act swiftly to confirm funding for the coming year, ensuring that nature recovery efforts can continue without disruption. The coalition stands ready to work with policymakers to expand green infrastructure, increase tree cover, and strengthen the UK’s resilience to climate change.