As a candidate at the general election I believe that creating new woods and planting trees is a priority if we are to tackle challenges such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, wildlife loss, improving public health – both physical and mental – and shaping places where people want to live, work and spend their leisure time.
I will promote the creation of new native woods and trees by:
1. Committing to working for the expansion of native woodland cover throughout the duration of the next Parliament.
2. Contacting my party leader and asking them to adopt the Woodland Trust’s manifesto as a basis for expanding, enhancing and protecting the natural environment.
3. Ensuring that native woods and trees are high on the agenda at the election by publicising my support for the Woodland Trust’s manifesto.
Adrian Hollister said, "Maintaining an environment that supports our natural wildlife, plant diversity and the health and wellbeing of the people in our communities is essential for sustainability."

The real priorities in the area are flower rich grasslands of which there are few, wetlands, heathland, veteran trees in parkland, maintaining the chalk rivers and managing for farmland birds. After that we can look at woodland planting. Perhaps the Greens, who I support, can't see the wildlife conservation for the trees.
I don't see that woodland has to be blanket coverage.
I live near the Ridgeway in the north of West Berkshire and fully appreciate our grasslands, streams and the wonderful ecosystems - I walk them every day, experience them as they change through the seasons and I am amazed every year at the summer explosion of growth and renewal.
None of our ecosystems need to be taken lightly.