Forests are essential to life on Earth. They produce oxygen we need to breathe, absorb harmful greenhouse gases, purify water from polluting chemicals, and reduce soil erosion. They protect us from climate change and natural disasters, like flood. They provide refuge for thousands of species of plants and animals. Forests provide crucial resources we use in our daily lives - the desk we sit at, the medicine we take, the food we eat, the book we read. A walk in a forest has an amazing impact on our mental and physical wellbeing, by reducing stress, boosting our mood, sparking creativity, stimulating brain, and many more.
Unfortunately, we are not doing nearly enough to protect and expand our forests. Although woodland cover in the UK is gradually increasing, woodland wildlife is actually decreasing, as Woodland Trust reports. This is due to the fact that much of the newer cover is occupied by non-native tree species, creating habitat alterations that indigenous plants and animals can't always adapt to.
Many people also face multiple barriers to accessing existing woodlands. For those living in urban ares and, in particular, restrained by various socio-economic limits, we can count on one hand how many forests are within our 10 miles radius.
Tiny Forest in Witney. Credit: Earthwatch Europe
Earthwatch Europe understands the importance for increasing and maintaining forests. Through our Tiny Forest project, we plant native tree species in urban impoverished areas across the country bringing the benefits of woodland right into the heart of our cities and urban spaces: connecting people with nature, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as well as providing nature-rich habitat to support urban wildlife.
Visit our website to find out how to get involved!
Visit our website to find out how to get involved!