Why plant trees?

Trees are essential for people, wildlife and the environment.

Thousands of wildlife species depend on trees for food and shelter.

Credit: Anne-Marie Kalus / WTML

By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, trees help to combat climate change.

Credit: Helen Dixon / Alamy Stock Photo

A walk among trees enhances our mood, reduces stress and improves our mental wellbeing.

Credit: Jennie Hart / Alamy Stock Photo

Green spaces encourage more social interaction and a stronger sense of community.

Credit: Keith Morris News / Alamy Stock Photo

Trees help to improve soils and prevent flooding and erosion.

Credit: John Mckinlay / WTML

Create savings or an extra income by harvesting timber, fruit, nuts or woodfuel.

Credit: Curtseyes / Alamy Stock Photo

Trees create shade and shelter for crops and livestock, and improve livestock wellbeing too.

Credit: Alan Southworth / WTML

With your help, we’ve planted more than 68.5 million trees since we began in 1972 and worked with thousands of landowners, schools and local authorities.

From single trees in thousands of gardens to hedges and whole woods, the UK is looking greener than it did four decades ago. But we need to plant more.

You might have just one or two goals in mind when planting trees: to attract garden birds, give fiery autumn colour or create a shady spot.

Whatever your reason, trees have far-reaching benefits for all of us.

Explore the evidence

Misty morning hedgerows and woods in Somerset

Climate change

Our message is clear: native woods and trees are one of the best ways to tackle the climate crisis. Explore the facts and find out what you can do to help.

What we're doing

Trees woods and wildlife

Why are trees important for biodiversity?

Woodland is home to a wealth of wildlife. If we don't protect what we have left and plant trees for the future, we'll lose more than just trees.

Trees woods and wildlife

Why woods are good for our health and wellbeing

Along with improving our quality of life, woods and green spaces can help make us physically and mentally healthier.

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