The Tree Path

Manifesto for Trees 1

1. All trees should be protected

Trees stand for nature, and we shall stand or fall with them. Felling a tree should be the last resort when no other options are open. Britain's tree cover fell from 10% to 8% during the 1980s virtually the lowest in Europe. In working woodlands, felling and growing must form part of a sustainable cycle, accommodating wild life and local people.

The importance of trees to the health of the earth is only just being understood although their local and symbolic value has been apparent for millennia in many cultures. Before considering felling a tree we should ask ourselves: if by felling the tree others will be given the opportunity to grown and replace it, what wild life depends on it, how people value it, if the timber is going to be put to an appropriate and worthwhile use, if it can be coppiced or pollarded instead.

Many trees are already protected by law in Conservation Areas, and under Tree Preservation Orders. It is illegal to fell a protected tree without permission, but it happens often. Work for the protection of all trees and be vigilant. Make every tree a wanted tree, and nearly every woodland a working woodland.

NEXT