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Woodland is defined in UK forestry statistics as land under stands of trees with a minimum area of 0.5 hectares and a canopy cover of at least 20%, or having the potential to achieve this. The definition relates to land use, rather than land cover, so integral open space and felled areas that are awaiting restocking are included as woodland. Further information, including how this UK definition compares with the international definition of woodland, is provided in the Sources chapter. Statistics on woodland area are used to inform government policy and resource allocation, to provide context to UK forestry and land management issues and are reported to international organisations. They are also used in the compilation of natural capital accounts. Increases in woodland area result from the creation of new woodland. This can be achieved through new planting or by natural colonisation of trees. Further information is available https://cdn.forestresearch.gov.uk/2022/09/Ch1_Woodland_2022.pdf