For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, |
Why Trees are so important:They:
Produce oxygen Store carbon Stabilise soil Moderate effects of sun, wind & rain Absorb pollutants and mask noise Mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect Provide a habitat for wildlife Give us food and shelter Improve health and mental well-being Furnish recreational spaces in cities |
photo: Margaret Burr
|
|
Carbon Capture
The build up of carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere is contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, the main greenhouse gas associated with climate change, removing it from the atmosphere, they store the carbon whilst releasing the oxygen back into the air for our benefit.
Cut Leaf Illustrations for 'Plant for the Planet'
The message on the leaf, by Christopher Jobson, as part of a campaign for Plant for the Planet illustrates the importance of trees in tackling climate change:
Every leaf traps CO2 To see more in the series click below |
|
photo: Stephen Middleton
|
|
Trees provide natural flood defences
Trees stablise the soil. Forestry research has shown that trees are use more water than other vegetation types, mainly through interception. Forests can also affect floods through their soils holding back and delaying the passage of rainwater to streams and rivers. They are usually drier during the summer due to their higher water use, enhancing the soil’s ability to store rainwater – the sponge effect.
|
photo: Stephen Middleton
|
photo: Stephen Middleton
|
Improve our physical health and mental well-being
The health benefits of urban trees fall into two groups: the pollution-controlling aspect and the benefits of the spaces they create. Trees and woods can have a restorative and therapeutic effect on the mind. Trees have a positive impact on the incidence of asthma, skin cancer and stress-related illness by filtering out polluted air; they also reduce smog formation and shade out solar radiation.
|
Nature Deficit disorder:
The term Nature Deficit Disorder was first coined by Richard Louv,
to describe a growing dislocation between children and nature.
Nature Deficit Disorder describes the human costs of alienation
from nature, among them: diminished use of the senses, attention
difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses.
The National Trust commissioned a report Natural Childhood
by Stephen Moss in 2012 which explores the issue. As the report notes:
Our nation’s children are also missing out on the pure joy of
connection with the natural world; and as a result, as adults they lack an
understanding of the importance of nature to human society.
If we do not reverse this trend towards a sedentary, indoor childhood
– and soon – we risk storing up social, medical and environmental
problems for the future.
The term Nature Deficit Disorder was first coined by Richard Louv,
to describe a growing dislocation between children and nature.
Nature Deficit Disorder describes the human costs of alienation
from nature, among them: diminished use of the senses, attention
difficulties, and higher rates of physical and emotional illnesses.
The National Trust commissioned a report Natural Childhood
by Stephen Moss in 2012 which explores the issue. As the report notes:
Our nation’s children are also missing out on the pure joy of
connection with the natural world; and as a result, as adults they lack an
understanding of the importance of nature to human society.
If we do not reverse this trend towards a sedentary, indoor childhood
– and soon – we risk storing up social, medical and environmental
problems for the future.
|
Native trees
Explore Britain's native trees. Discover useful identification tips, uses, value to wildlife and some threats that are putting our native trees at risk. Common non-native trees
Common non-native treesExplore some common non-native trees in the UK. Learn more about some of Britain's commonly found and naturalised species. |
According to Trees for Cities the 33 native British tree species (in order of their arrival) are:
|
Common juniper
Downy birch Silver birch Aspen Scots pine Bay willow Common alder Hazel Small-leafed lime Bird cherry Goat willow Wych elm Rowan Sessile oak Ash Holly Common oak Hawthorn Crack willow Black poplar Yew Whitebeam Midland thorn Crab-apple Wild cherry Strawberry-tree White willow Field maple Wild service tree Large-leafed lime Beech Hornbeam Box These are the trees that colonised Britain during the retreat of the last Ice Age. |
