State of the UK's woods and trees revealed
A report titled The State of the UK's Woods and Trees was published by the Woodland Trust this month, revealing the key issues our woodlands need help with.
Published this month, the research report The State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2021 (across 245 pages) presents the key facts and trends about native woodlands and trees in the UK, covering their extent, wildlife value, conditions, societal benefits, as well as the challenges they face in the environment and what can be done to help them.
The data presented derives from a mix of sources, including official statistics, reports, academic research, publications, citizen science projects and government agency trends. Data about commercial forestry is sourced from the government agency Forest Research, but details about commercial forestry are largely outside of the scope of the report, being reported elsewhere. This report focuses on reporting the state of woods and trees from many angles.
Four main conclusions have been drawn. Though woodland cover increases as tree planting initiatives are underway, the wildlife present in UK woodlands is sadly decreasing. Woodland cover in the UK doubled in the last 100 years but this is mainly due to the addition of non-native trees. Native woodlands currently tend to be isolated and ecologically in poor condition. In particular, ancient woodlands are scarce, which depletes the natural wildlife around.
Woodlands are important for society, helping to prevent climate change by storing carbon, reducing the risk of floods and pollution, all while providing a healthier environment for us.
Even so, they face a number of threats related to climate change, disease, invasive species and air pollution. The Woodland Trust and other conservation groups argue that not enough is being done to generate resilient native woodlands in our ecological landscape. Yet, there remains some hope if we can raise awareness of these issues and invest in local conservation schemes that support the cause.
What needs to be done?
Going forward, the rate of woodland creation needs to be quadrupled, particularly in regards to accelerating the planting of native trees and shrubs. This allows nature to recover, supporting the local wildlife to flourish while helping to combat climate change.
The trust explained in their report: “The location and quality of new woodland is the key to success. This means extending existing native woods and connecting patches of semi-natural habitat; wherever possible enabling natural colonisation by trees on suitable open ground; and ensuring targeted creation, e.g. in catchments to reduce flood risk and improve water quality, and near urban populations, to create beautiful landscapes and opportunities for access to nature.”