One year on from Chalara ash die-back being found in the wider UK environment, a tripartite, nationwide initiative and strategy for broadleaved trees was launched in style in the Strangers' Dining Room at the House of Commons on 9 October. Tree improvement - a strategy to secure a future for our broad-leaved woodland is the brainchild of Future Trees Trust, Earth Trust and Forest Research. The launch was hosted by Ed Vaizey, MP for Wantage, in whose Oxfordshire constituency 'Earth Trust' lies. The strategy sets out the case for the wider use of improved broadleaved trees to ensure valuable species like English oak, common ash, sweet chestnut and birch remain part of both urban and rural landscapes for generations to come. All those involved with, orwho benefit from, these trees (which is essentially everyone in the United Kingdom) are urged to support the three key objectives of the strategy. Founding organisations see the initiative as a way of ensuring the future of UK broadleaf woodland as a healthy, resilient and productive primary natural resource.
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