Trees

Provisional woodland statistics for 2020 have revealed little to no progress has been made on improving vital tree cover across the UK.

If we’re going to tackle climate breakdown, we need more trees. 72% of UK land is currently used by farmers for food production, but combining trees with farming could suck carbon out of the atmosphere, and make farming more profitable, productive and sustainable.

Friends of the Earth is concerned that the policy being launched at this time means that it will not get the scrutiny and attention it needs.

Westminster’s strategy for creating more woodland has a huge imbalance. It’s failing to do nearly enough in England, while leaving Scotland to do the heavy lifting.

"The National Trust’s plans for tree planting are hugely exciting "

2019 was the year that trees became political. In response to increased concern around climate breakdown, and amidst the backdrop of a General Election, all of the main UK political parties pledged to increase tree cover. But what's the connection between trees and climate? Scientist Mat Disney explains.

Nature – whether it's a sprawling forest or an urban park – can be of great comfort during unsettling times. And it should be accessible to everyone. This article is taken from a speech given by psychotherapist Beth Collier at the Garden Museum, London in Summer 2019.

Learn how to protect your local trees with our guide to Tree Preservation Orders.

Discover what makes trees so valuable to our environment, economy and wellbeing.