Why our trees need to be protected

Trees are amazing. They first appeared on earth about 360 million years ago. Over millennia they covered the world in huge forests and oxygenated our atmosphere for the first time, making animal and human life possible.

Before the industrial revolution, forests covered 45% of the land surface. That has been hugely reduced and the UK has only 12% forest cover.

We all know that trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen which is vital to life, but they do so much more than that. They are essential for biodiversity. 80% of all species live in forested areas and we are losing them at a terrifying rate.

They filter and retain water in the soil, improving its quality and preventing flooding. They hold the soil in place, preventing erosion, and protect it from wind. They are a source of food for us as well as wildlife and a source of medicines. They provide shelter and shade. A tree shaded area can be up to 19 degrees cooler than one close by with none.

Those of us living near lots of trees report better health than those who don’t. On average they have lower blood pressure, slower heartbeats and are less stressed. Research has shown that we recover from illness quicker if we can see trees from the window rather than brick walls.

Walking in woods is known to be good for our mental health, reducing stress, depression, and anger. And it’s great exercise of course.

No matter how much we love them, we can’t all plant a forest, but we can join local groups that are planting trees, like Bromsgrove Climate Action, and we can put one or two in our own garden if we are lucky enough to have one.

A small tree in a pot is still good if there’s little space. This would help local wildlife, bees and other insects, which then attract birds, reptiles and small mammals. As a bonus, it makes the neighbourhood more attractive.

Bromsgrove District Council have planted quite a few trees in Sanders Park and most are thriving, despite some vandalism. Bromsgrove Climate Action, New Song Church and Soroptimists have all been active in planting in parks and schools, along with students.

Unfortunately, developers seem to have no problem with felling trees, and there seems to be no means of preventing this. Bromsgrove Climate Action wonder how many old trees will be left on the Perryfields site when the building is finished. At present it is full of mature trees, along the brook and the surrounding fields, and full of wildlife, badgers, foxes, rabbits, deer, amphibians and birds. Are we happy that most of these will be lost?

Local people should be able to have a much greater say in the planning of new builds so that developers can ensure that mature trees and hedges are taken into account and protected. At present government legislation prevents this. Our MP and the district council should be putting pressure on the government to change that.