Over the past few years we have collaborated with the Woodland Trust in creating some truly fantastic campaigns, helping to achieve their mission of protecting, restoring and creating woods.
To make this happen we have worked closely with a handful of Media Owners, one of which are the wonderful Country Life team at Future, who have generously given their time to provide thoughts regarding all things woodland. Including, who’s ‘barking up the right tree’ in championing sustainability in the UK, and the importance of caring for our environment.
Why is woodland so important to the UK?
“There is a reason why ‘if you go down to the woods today’ is such an evocative phrase. Our ancient woodlands are not only a vital habitat for flora and fauna, they literally help our world to breathe and are quiet havens of rustling leaves and solitude.”
From Paula Lester, Managing and Features Editor
Any personal favourite woodland dweller or vegetation?
“Boletus edulis which looks so, well, mushroomy and smells of autumn woods, and fairy moss.”
Tiffany Daneff, Gardens Editor
What should farmers/landowners/general public be doing to help?
“Polarised debate is halting progress on environmental aims and the work of myriad individual projects is devalued if not linked to others. Both the field sports and environmental lobbies want the same things in many issues – to preserve wildlife and beautiful spaces – but there is arrogance on both sides, and it all gets bogged down in point-scoring, outdated class warfare and a refusal to accept that certain species need management to ensure the success of others.
Many individual projects are commendable and set an example, but they would be much more valuable if they were linked. The GWCT “Farmer Clusters”, which link habitat and target geographically relevant species, are the blueprint.”
From Country Life’s inaugural Green manifesto (June 12, 2024)
Who is doing good work right now to make the UK sustainable?
“His Majesty The King and HRH The Prince of Wales, the CPRE, Sir David Attenborough, Jack Harries and Earthrise Studios, Surfers Against Sewage, Geraint Richards (Head Forester for the Duchy of Cornwall).”
A Legacy Worth Protecting
Thank you to the Future team for sharing these incredible insights. I hope this has further emphasised the significance of our woodlands and highlighted some wonderful organisations and individuals you can follow and support. To help preserve our habitats, and the beloved woodland creatures we cherish so that generations to come will also be ‘able to go down into the woods today’.🌳