Woodland Trust reports drastic decline in tree planting

From BBC News:

Official figures released today by the Forestry Commission show that the government is falling far short of its own tree-planting targets. 

The Woodland Trust says that the "drastic decline" in new woodland planting is "appalling" and could have serious environmental consequences. 

It accused government of missing its target in England by 86%.

The report goes on to quote Austin Brady from the Woodland Trust:

"These figures are all the more shocking against the backdrop of the growing evidence of the importance of trees and woods in tackling air pollution, improving water quality and offering scope to deliver natural flood management. 

"Something is drastically wrong with the way woodland planting is being supported across the various government departments that share responsibility for trees and woods."