Planting trees brings hope for the future
Imagine a pristine forest. A woodland filled with abundant species of fauna and flora. There are moose, red deer and other noble herbivores patrolling the deep wilderness with equal grace and power. Tortoiseshell butterflies flitter over rain-soaked fungi and furry mosses. Echoing chirps of timid amphibians blend seamlessly with countless warbling finches. A flashing glimpse of lean muscle and glinting eye, a lynx? A wolf?
You might be imagining an untouched landscape in Canada or Scandinavia; however, this beauty might be found far closer to home in the near future.
Most people are aware that wildlife around the globe is under threat. A recent UN report, examining long-term data, found that around 1 million species are at risk of extinction over the next couple of decades. This is more than at any other time in human history. Faced with shocking news like this, it can be difficult to imagine what we can do as individuals.
With changes brought about by industrial development, agricultural expansion and population growth, the UK can feel like an area with diminishing environmental wonder, especially when compared to the wondrous exotic sights shown in many films and David Attenborough documentaries. All is not lost however, we can influence dramatic environmental improvements, and even small changes can have big positive impacts within our ecosystems.
Every ecosystem has a starting point, a pioneering species that begins the transformation from desolate landscape to vibrant paradise. We have many areas in the UK that are still ecological marvels, our issue is that we used to have so many more! The first picture shown above is not of a Scandinavian wilderness as you might think, but an ancient woodland site in Devon. It is still possible to rejuvenate our land to its former glory without sacrificing the benefits we gain from having a highly developed economy.
Much of our wild space suffers from ineffective land-management and lack of coordinated environmental initiatives. 9Trees helps to combat this, working with landowners who may not have the time or resources to develop their unused space into prime habitats.
If you were to look outside your window to an empty field or park and wonder “how could this ever become a haven for wildlife?”, the answer to your question will probably start with planting trees. 9 Trees carefully select native tree species suitable for the planting locations. We also monitor tree growth to ensure optimal chances of survival.
Planting mixed native trees benefits the environment in countless ways. Initially the trees provide a good source of shade and cover for small mammals avoiding predators and amphibians sheltering from the midday heat. As the trees grow, so do the opportunities for wildlife. Larger trees provide nesting sites, food sources and protection for countless species. As time progresses mosses and other plants will begin to grow from the secure structure that the tree provides. This leads to a miniature environmental oasis on a single tree. Further local tree plantations then help to expand and diversify this ecosystem.
As 9Trees and other organisations develop more of these sites around the UK, wildlife will be able to travel between them using corridors of hedgerows or grassland. This could pave the way for the reintroduction of previously extinct species like moose, whose sustainable return to our forests would further enhance diversity. (For an interesting discussion of the relationship between tree planting and rewilding, check out this blog). From these rejuvenated spaces come other benefits such as climate regulation and improved soil quality, benefiting both nature and people far beyond the area of the woodland.
It may seem a lifetime away that much of the UK could resemble this idea of a “pristine” forest, and maybe it is. However, organisations like 9Trees are fighting one step at a time to restore our biodiversity. Our supporters are helping to undo the damage that industry and unsustainable farming have caused in the UK. The 9Trees goals might be ambitious, but they are certainly achievable and already delivering results. As the UN report states, there are many areas of the world in dire need of protection, however we must do our bit to save the UK’s threatened ecosystems and ensure our wildlife remains off that extinction list!
By George Havill - Conservationist