
Blog
Why walking in woods is good for you
Charlie Mellor • 05 Aug 2020
Ambassador
The International Day of Forests on 21 March celebrates and raises awareness of forests and trees and their benefits for current and future generations. This year’s theme is ‘forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being’.
The 21st March marks the International Day of Forests – a day designed to raise awareness of the importance of forests, woods and trees across the world.
We know more now about the incredible range of benefits that trees deliver to us and our planet than at any other time in mankind’s existence and yet, through global deforestation, the world is losing millions of hectares of forest every year.
Trees make our life on earth possible and yet, it is perhaps the everyday nature of them that has made it so easy to take them for granted. They generate oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil, play host to a spectacular variety of wildlife, provide us with raw materials and shelter and inspire our imaginations and our creativity.
Nor should we forget that trees and woodlands make a positive difference to our own health and wellbeing. Life has changed for all of us over the past 12 months and during the most challenging of times we have become aware of the importance of having regular access to green spaces. People have found comfort in woodland in these calming and magical places.
We all benefit from our trees and woods and we could do with a great deal more of them. The Woodland Trust’s hope for this year’s International Day of Forests is that more of us stop taking our local trees for granted.
The Woodland Trust has ambitious plans to plant 50 million trees over the next five years and we will be doing this involving as many people as possible.
There are many ways to get involved, and if you can help in any way, do visit the Woodland Trust’s website. We are always keen to work together.
On this International Day of Forests, enjoy the trees, respect what they do for us now and help us plan for our future with many more trees.
Thank you.
Trees contribute enormously to our physical and mental health and wellbeing.
That's never been clearer than during the pandemic. Our woods have been open and free for everyone to visit throughout.
We've also run special sessions to help more people benefit from nature. At Smithills Estate near Bolton, for example, our virtual courses for dementia sufferers and their carers show how woodland visits can stimulate memory. We've hosted virtual health and wellbeing workshops and wildlife and craft clubs for kids too, helping as many people as possible to enjoy the great outdoors.
Blog
Charlie Mellor • 05 Aug 2020
Blog
Hannah Vickers • 14 Jan 2019
Trees woods and wildlife
Along with improving our quality of life, woods and green spaces can help make us physically and mentally healthier.
To create a brighter future for people and wildlife, we must address the climate and biodiversity crises. Restoring and sustainably managing our forests is vital to our recovery and wellbeing.
Our vision is a UK rich in native woods and trees.
About us
We plant woods and trees to combat climate change, build a greener future for the UK and create havens for wildlife.
About us
We save woods and trees from decimation. We stand against needless destruction and lead the fight against tree pests and diseases.
About us
We bring damaged ancient woods back to life. We restore these irreplaceable ecosystems before they are lost forever.
About us
We care for over 1,000 woods, keeping them open for you to explore and enjoy. We want to inspire a love for woods and trees for generations to come.
This International Day of Forests and beyond, let's take time to recognise how amazing our trees and woods are. Life would be very different without them. We should appreciate and protect them and the benefits they bring.
Celebrate by taking time to enjoy your nearest green space, or helping to plant and safeguard more precious trees. Cherish nature and all it does for us, now and in the future.
Primordial landscapes, tangled branches, breathtaking wildlife and miles of woodland trails. From the countryside to cities, we care for thousands of woods throughout the UK, all free to visit.
Find a wood near youSupport us
With your support, we can ensure woods are always there, free for everyone to enjoy.
Protecting trees and woods
Together we can stand up for the environment and safeguard the UK's woodland heritage for our future.
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Helen Keating • 12 Nov 2021
Blog
Kerrie Jenkins • 19 Mar 2021