What Can I Do: Protect what we have

If we want forests that will last forever then they have to be managed sustainably.

This means balancing the wide range of benefits that forests provide, including biodiversity, recreation and effects on the carbon cycle.

It also means ensuring that the forest continues to grow and to keep providing those benefits. We must also protect woodlands against hazards such as pests, diseases, browsing animals like deer, stormy weather and forest fires.

As our climate changes then the threats to our trees will change too.

We may expect to see more tree pests in our woods and forests, more floods, and even warmer and drier weather in some parts.

All these cause increased stress to trees and so we must manage the changes as best we can.

In well-managed forests, felling trees is also part of a sustainable cycle.

The felled trees are replaced by planting young trees, by natural seeding or coppice re-growth from the tree stump.

Across the world there are forests that have been managed for timber and other products for hundreds of years while maintaining their carbon, biodiversity or value to society.

Some of the most valued ancient woodlands in the UK are coppice systems.

Most countries have laws to protect forests.

In European countries these can be very strict, not least in the UK.

In the Northern Hemisphere, forests are expanding across the land, yet even in countries like the UK, illegal cutting down of trees is a cause for concern.

In the developing world, where the pressures on forests are greatest, the problem is huge and forests are shrinking very quickly.

In the UK, we have laws to prevent us losing too many trees and to ensure that operations to plant new forests don’t harm the existing environment.

Owners, including our own forest managers, may have to apply to for a felling licence before felling any trees. Some individual trees are protected by tree protection orders.

To protect Britain’s from pests and disease imported timber is inspected when it comes into the country.

Forest Reproductive Material Regulations ensure that planting stock is traceable through the collection and production process to registered sources.

The UK Forestry Standard sets out what sustainable forest management means both domestically and internationally.

A number of forest guidelines support the standard and help to put it into practical terms.

What can I do?

Look out for trees in your area that might be under stress and maybe alert the owner or the local council tree warden.

If you have trees in your garden make sure that in dry periods they get plenty water.

Find out if there is a Tree Warden Network in your area and ask if you can help out.

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