Trees in this country have been cut down since pre-historic times, and in recent centuries have lost ground in the face of the requirements of agriculture, population increase, industrialisation and other developments. Woodlands now face the new threats posed by climate change, the corrosive effects of pollution and other demands of the modern world.

We need a profound shift in the way we approach conservation, and decisive measures to preserve and create landscapes that can meet the needs of wildlife and people. The Woodland Trust, with other organisations, is researching the impacts of climate change to put in place strategies which will help woodland and wildlife adapt.

Woodland also touches a much deeper part of our relationship with our natural surroundings and the Trust is keen to encourage more people, particularly children, to rediscover this connection. And, touch wood, we can make this possible."

Broadcaster, writer and barrister Clive Anderson was appointed Woodland Trust president in 2004 and has done an enormous amount to increase awareness of the Woodland Trust and our activities.