Of our trees

others are found in cemeteries, parks and golf courses and iTree measures them all and, crucially, assesses tree canopy cover. After this a hardheaded financial value is calculated, based on carbon they store, air pollution they remove, rainwater they hold (allowing it to be reevaporated by the sun rather than disappearing into drains and sewers) and how they ameliorate extreme temperatures.

London’s i-Tree results, to be published in our spring, will prove the capital’s trees are a multi-million-pound piece of infrastructure that performs a vital and practical role, as well as giving pleasure to visitors.

A marine chemist in Japan has discovered that leaves falling into streams and rivers leach acids into the ocean that stimulate the growth of plankton, the first and most important building block in the food chain.

This has huge significance for the fishing and oystergrowing industries.

Norway is the first country in the world to commit to zero deforestation, thus making a huge difference to stopping climate change.

In these times of dramatic environmental upheaval, our yearning for undisturbed nature is increasing.

Wohlleben says: ‘When the capabilities of vegetative beings becomes known and their emotional lives and needs are recognised, the way we treat plants will gradually change as well.

“These ecosystems achieve the fullness of life with tens of thousands of species interwoven and interdependent. We should care for trees.” Jo Bornemissza is a Hobart teacher, artist, art critic and a horticulturist.