Britain’s forests and trees are embedded in the national psyche. We raise our children on woodland tales in the same way that we, our parents, grandparents and generations before that were. Would the Gruffalo, Robin Hood, and Tatiana, Queen of the Faeries, exist without our forests? Sturdy oaks, brambled thickets and mossy logs conjure an indefinable sense of romance; perhaps you, too, recognise the delight of a woodland stroll, leaves and twigs cracking underfoot, the sun warming your face as it filters through branches above?
Yet, despite our affection for woodlands, we’ve failed to protect this precious environment.
The UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe, and only 2% of our land is covered with valuable ancient woodland. Less than half of our woodlands are sustainably managed, and the UK is the third largest net importer of forest products, behind China and the USA.
After decades of recklessness, these facts are hitting us hard, and we’re finally waking up to the truth about what these precious ecosystems do for us. Enter Woodland Heritage, a charity determined to create a thriving UK wood culture. They aim to ensure more productive woodlands to benefit the environment, people, and economy.
Why care for our woodland?
Schoolchildren across the land know how important trees are for the environment. Trees capture carbon, reduce flood risk, and act as home for countless creatures.
But trees aren’t enough on their own.
Sustainably managed, productive woodlands are more than the sum of their parts. They reduce pollution, help manage temperatures, protect biodiversity, and support human health and wellbeing. They’re also essential to our nation’s wealth, contributing around £270bn to the UK economy – an estimate that excludes their essential flood and water benefits.
What’s so special about productive woodlands?
Productive woodland is critical to biodiversity and sustainability.
– Selective felling opens up the canopy, allowing new plants to thrive.This attracts new insects, birds and mammals, increasing biodiversity.
– Sustainably managed forests provide beautiful timber for buildings, furniture and other objects, which supports local and national employment.
– Broadleaf trees are carbon-sequestering superheroes, and the products built with their wood lock away carbon, in stark contrast to items made with unsustainable materials.
– Woodlands support our health and wellbeing, providing a place for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and get active.
– Productive woodlands reduce our reliance on unsustainably harvested, imported wood, supporting a greener, healthier future.
What do Woodland Heritage do?
Woodland Heritage works to demonstrate how productive woodlands benefit everyone. Supported by His Majesty King Charles II, they are taking action to create and manage productive woodlands and explaining their advantages – through timber value, combating climate change, flood resilience, biosecurity, food and human health and wellbeing. Here’s how they describe their work:
“Woodland Heritage is creating a thriving UK wood culture that benefits our environment, all people and our economy. Through a combination of demonstration sites, research, education, membership and outreach, we build on the wisdom and skills of the past to weather the challenges of tomorrow. Put simply; Grow trees. Use wood. For our future!”
John Orchard, Chief Executive, Woodland Heritage
Here are some examples of the work they’re doing:
– Supporting research into Acute Oak Decline, a disease killing our native oak trees.
– Providing education through specialist workshops and an open-access knowledge bank.
– Raising awareness with open woods and workshops that everyone can attend
– Providing grants and bursaries to support work that meets the charity’s objectives.
Why have Eavoak partnered with Woodland Heritage?
As oak framed building specialists, we recognise how important it is to use sustainably produced and supplied wood. By partnering with Woodland Heritage, we want to contribute to the British woodlands that support the traditional skills and specialist knowledge needed to ensure a thriving UK economy. Our support allows vital activities such as creating demonstration sites, providing resources and education, and supporting research.
“Given Eavoak’s dedication to the use of Oak in its outstanding buildings and its focus on skilled craftspeople, we are absolutely delighted to have the company’s support of the charity’s work.”
John Orchard, Chief Executive, Woodland Heritage
If you’re interested in the work of Woodland Heritage and want to support their endeavours, you can become a supporter for just £36 per year.
Read more about our sustainability commitments
Environmental respect is hardwired into the way we work. Read more about how we care for the environment and support our customers to do the same.
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