Trees - the lifeblood of our planet

Woodland Trust - A Vision for the 21st Century

Trees and forests are the very lifeblood of our planet. They stabilise the soil, generate oxygen, store carbon, transform our landscapes and provide one of the richest habitats for flora and fauna. They offer us respite, inspire our imagination, creativity and culture, and provide many opportunities for recreation. It is crucial that we value and look after them. If our woods disappear, people and wildlife will suffer.

The UK is one of the least wooded parts of Europe. Ancient woodland covers only 2% of our land. Ancient woodland is “our rainforest”, home to more threatened species than any other UK wildlife habitat - and it is irreplaceable. Yet almost half of what little remained in the 1930s has been lost or damaged. Only precious fragments are left and much is under threat from development, intensive land use and our changing climate.

We all need to redouble our efforts to achieve a vision for the UK as a land rich in native woodland and wildlife which future generations will enjoy as never before. Our vision is to protect what we have, restore what has been spoilt and create new woods for the future, to make our countryside more friendly for people and wildlife. Within the next 50 years and preferably much sooner our aspirations are for:

A doubling of native woodland cover in the UK (currently 1, 000, 000 ha)

Everyone to be within 4km of an accessible large woodland

All ancient woods planted with non-native conifers (220,000 ha across the UK) to be under active restoration

Absolute protection of ancient woodland

People, especially children, to better understand and value trees and woods

Every child to have the chance to plant trees

Hilary Allison

Policy Director