Laying down roots
Throughout history, trees have been our nation’s lungs, but look a little closer and you’ll realise they’re so much more than that
O ur country has its fair share of natural heritage, and sometimes it’s easy to take that for granted. Our woods and trees have witnessed conflict and coronations, survived battles and withstood fierce storms. Not only do they give us clean air and oxygen to breathe, but they also give our land life, colour and beauty. They help improve your physical and mental wellbeing by offering spaces to walk, relax and escape, plus they support thousands of species of wildlife.
When it comes to conservation, saving the future of our woodlands is more important than ever. The Woodland Trust is working to make sure our heritage is handed over to the next generation, including the 1,000 plus woods that it owns and cares for. Our children and grandchildren deserve to learn about and connect with nature in just the same way as those who came before them. That means protecting woods that are under threat, including restoring damaged woodland and planting millions of new native trees every year.
And it’s not just what our woodlands do for us. Think of how vital they are in preserving ecological balance, and maintaining our diverse native species. Just one tree in your local park can give thousands of birds, insects and mammals food and shelter in its lifetime. Out in our ancient woodlands, mosses, lichens and fungi cling to the bark of trees, carpets of bluebells flourish every spring and butterflies flutter through leaves.