Trees and woods can have a significant effect on people's health and well-being.
As well as providing a place for exercise that can help people to fight conditions such as obesity and heart disease, woods also have benefits for our mental well-being, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
An American study found that just the view of trees out of the window helped hospital surgical patients to recover faster. Woods can also make our surroundings healthier – by improving air quality, and providing protection from the skin damage that can be caused by the sun.
In 2003 the health benefits of walking and cycling in woodland were estimated to save the NHS up to £4.5 million a year in the West Midlands alone.
Woods and health - report (PDF)