THE UK Government’s Tree Champion Sir William Worsley has been reappointed to continue his drive to accelerate tree planting rates.

The chair of the National Forest Company was tasked last year with setting a bold direction for the country’s forests and woodlands over the next 25 years. Now, Sir William is marking his reappointment with a call to landowners, farmers and foresters across the country to take up the mantle of tree planting by accessing the Government’s Woodland Creation Grant Scheme.

He commented: “Trees transform our cities, connect us with the outdoors and help to tackle the impacts of our changing climate. That is why I am delighted to be reappointed as the government’s Tree Champion so I can continue my drive to ensure future generations enjoy a landscape rooted with trees.

“Now, I am calling on landowners across the country to help me by taking up our woodland creation grants and tapping into the environmental and economic benefits of planting more trees.”