England Maps Non-Woodland Trees and Strengthens Flood Resilience Through Data Innovation

England has made a significant advancement in environmental data collection and planning with the release of a new map detailing non-woodland trees across the country. This development marks the first time that trees outside traditional forests and woodlands have been fully mapped using satellite imagery and laser technology, not AI yet but no doubt that is coming soon.

UK’s Flood Hydrology Roadmap explained

Alongside this, efforts to bolster national flood resilience have progressed through the UK’s Flood Hydrology Roadmap, an initiative designed to improve flood hazard understanding and response.

Forest Research's new tree mapping initiative uses advanced laser detection and satellite imaging to create a detailed picture of non-woodland tree coverage. These trees, often found lining streets, hedgerows, parks, and urban spaces, represent nearly 30 per cent of England’s total tree canopy.

Trees and Climate Plan for Change: Target to Increase Tree Canopy Cover by 16.5%

The map combines LIDAR data collected between 2016 and 2022 with satellite data from 2021 to 2024. It forms part of the government’s wider Plan for Change and its legal target to increase tree canopy cover to 16.5 per cent.

This mapping process applies automated spatial datasets and algorithmic predictions to identify individual trees outside of woodlands. With an accuracy rate of 95 per cent, the data captures even isolated trees in rural and urban environments. These trees play a critical role in climate regulation by storing carbon, reducing flood risk, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity.

Forestry Commissions Open Data Portal gives access to new UK Tree Canopy Cover map

The map allows conservationists, local authorities, and policy planners to identify areas lacking tree cover. This information supports targeted tree planting and habitat connectivity. For instance, isolated trees can be linked to nearby wooded areas to create stronger ecosystems for wildlife. These improvements align with the government's goals of nature recovery and building resilient communities through strategic planting and environmental stewardship.

The mapping project is funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The new dataset is accessible to the public through the Forestry Commission’s open data portal and ArcGIS Online, with future access planned via Defra’s Data Services Platform. The ability to update this map regularly ensures it remains useful for tracking tree cover changes over time.

In parallel to these developments in tree mapping, the UK continues to make strides in strengthening its flood risk management. In 2022, the Environment Agency published the UK’s Flood Hydrology Roadmap, laying out a long-term strategy from 2021 to 2046.

Why does the UK need more trees? And, how will this reduce flooding?

The roadmap is a response to increasing risks from inland flooding due to climate change. It supports investment decisions for flood and coastal risk management, with around £6 billion allocated between 2022 and 2028.

The roadmap outlines a comprehensive approach to improving data, scientific understanding, and modelling techniques related to flood hydrology. It covers all types of inland flooding, including rivers, surface water, groundwater, and reservoirs, across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It aims to enhance society’s ability to manage flood hazards using improved information and whole-system understanding.

To implement the roadmap, the Environment Agency launched the Flood Hydrology Improvements Programme (FHIP), supported by £6 million in initial funding over six years. The programme has publicly made sub-daily rainfall and river flow data available, which is valuable for research into flooding patterns and periodicity. It also identified and preserved large volumes of historical hydrological data, addressing key knowledge gaps.

FHIP has enabled the UK’s hydrological community to assess modelling techniques, benchmark new methods, and develop the next generation of flood prediction tools. Through UK-wide collaboration, organisations such as Natural Resources Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency have played central roles in reviewing practices and aligning future efforts.

One of the roadmap’s core achievements has been its role in bringing together scientists, policymakers, and technical experts. A dedicated governance board now oversees the strategy, coordinates national efforts, and ensures that organisations can share data and methods effectively. It also encourages contributions from individuals and groups with expertise in hydrology and climate resilience.

The new tree mapping tool and the flood hydrology roadmap reflect a shift toward evidence-based environmental planning. They demonstrate the UK government’s commitment to integrating scientific data into policy-making, addressing ecological restoration and climate adaptation challenges.

What role will trees take in the UK's Plan for Change: New Forests, Timber Construction and more

These initiatives are central to the UK’s Plan for Change, which includes wider goals such as creating a new national forest, promoting timber construction, and investing in nature-based solutions. With up to £400 million committed to trees and peat through the Nature for Climate Fund, the government aims to restore biodiversity, protect communities, and prepare for future environmental pressures.

By combining advanced remote sensing technologies with collaborative governance, the UK is better equipped to manage tree cover and flood risks. These actions will help maintain healthy ecosystems, reduce carbon emissions, and protect infrastructure and communities for decades.

FAQs

1. What are non-woodland trees, and why are they important?

Non-woodland trees are single or grouped trees found outside traditional forests, such as those in parks, along roads, or in fields. They play a major role in storing carbon, reducing urban heat, and supporting wildlife.

2. How was the UK tree map created and where can the public access it from?

The mapping project is funded by Defra’s Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) programme. The new dataset is accessible to the public through the Forestry Commission’s open data portal and ArcGIS Online, with future access planned via Defra’s Data Services Platform. It was developed using LIDAR and satellite data combined with advanced algorithms to detect and measure tree canopy across England. The process achieved 95% accuracy in identifying trees outside woodlands.

3. What is the Flood Hydrology Roadmap?

The roadmap is a 25-year strategy to improve the UK’s understanding of flood risks using better data, modelling, and scientific research. It supports national flood management and climate adaptation plans.

4. How do these projects support climate resilience?

Both projects help identify risk areas, inform decision-making, and support natural solutions like tree planting and data-driven flood defences. Together, they help communities adapt to environmental change.