Policy: Publication of Temperate Rainforest Strategy

The Temperate Rainforest Strategy sets out actions and new commitments from the government to help safeguard and restore England’s temperate rainforests, through investment, protection and partnership. Within England they occur in Devon, Cornwall and Cumbria. Even within the UK, the nature of temperate rainforest differs in the species they support and by average temperature. Research undertaken estimates approximately 18,000 hectares remain in England.

Protecting and enhancing England’s globally rare temperate rainforest habitat (also known as Atlantic woodlands) will contribute towards government commitments to restore nature, tackle climate change and protect 30% of land by 2030.

Actions include:

• Funding for training in identifying and managing temperate rainforests through the Forestry and Arboriculture Skills Fund.
• £16 million in funding for Forest Research to contact vital research to help support the resilience of England’s trees and woodland. In addition, through the Nature for Climate Fund, the government will invest up to £750,000 in research and development in improving the resilience, management and protection of temperate rainforests. 
• Continued investment in Management Forestry Innovation funds. These funds incentivise innovations in woodland management to help restore vulnerable woodland habitats, including making funding available for temperate rainforest.

Further information is available at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs website.