Whether it’s the rambling oak you once carved your initials into, the woodland dell you raced around on your BMX, or the weeping willow you played under, there is a special tree or woodland that’s part of every childhood. They give kids somewhere to explore, climb and conquer; they house our most beloved creatures, be they robins, barn owls, squirrels or bumblebees; they give us oxygen, firewood and protection from floods. No one could deny the importance of trees throughout the ages to our culture, environment and economy.
And yet Britain’s woodland cover now stands at just 13% (barely a third of the European average of 37%). Of particular concern is ancient woodland cover, which stands at just 2%; 276 ancient woods have suffered loss or damage since 1999, with another 588 still under threat. Currently, 85% of ancient woodland is unprotected by government legislation.
That’s why the Woodland Trust is creating a Charter for Trees, Woods and People – which you could be part of, as a charter champion. Due to be launched in November 2017, the charter will be created using the shared memories, stories and experiences of people across the UK, in order to build a picture of our relationship with woods and trees. Here, three charter champions talk of their involvement.
Harriet Fraser
I’m a writer and poet, focusing on the issues of land, nature and people. I try to reveal the stories behind them in a combination of documentary and creative writing, for communities, schools and exhibitions. I can’t really remember a time when I didn’t like trees, or find them awe-inspiring.
The way I see it, a charter champion is somebody who helps gather stories about trees and helps people to get in touch with them. Through our Long View project we’re highlighting seven trees that are spectacularly located in the Lake District, using them as beacons for other stories. These include a hawthorn, stunningly located on a limestone pavement; a rowan rising out of a split rock that’s beautiful and dramatic to look at, and a Scots pine that stands very tall and proud above Ullswater. We’ll be leading guided walks to each one and holding events there.
You need to think ahead with trees: it’s not like the government being in for five-year stretches. You plant a tree now and then you begin to see in 50 years’ time what the benefit of that is. So it’s really important to be able to take the long view, and get people excited about getting out there and taking part.
Discover Harriet and Rob Fraser’s work at somewhere-nowhere.com
Huw Lloyd
I work in woodland management, and for the past three years I’ve been working and volunteering for Llangattock Community Woodlands charity. I organise activities for fellow volunteers to manage woods to produce a range of habitats and increase biodiversity. People can take part in thinning and coppicing, charcoal making, making greenwood products, tree planting and bee keeping. We are also able to produce a sustainable source of wood fuel by regenerating old woodlands.
As a youngster, I harvested mushrooms and hazelnuts in the woods in the autumn. I remember when pigs used to be turned into oak woodlands to eat the acorns – something you don’t see anymore. When woodlands were an integral part of a farm, farmers would obtain their firewood from there and children would play under the trees, making bows and arrows, building wood shelters and having fires. Woods are an important part of the landscape and I would like to see a greater public awareness of this.
As a charter champion, I’ll try to bring members of the community together to promote the Charter for Trees, Woods and People. This will involve liaising with environmental organisations to organise activities and events that celebrate the beauty and benefits of woodlands and trees. There’s a lot of history regarding Welsh names in the area, so we’re also going to try and promote the use of the Welsh language and tell people what the trees are in our native language.
Dr Patrick Candler
I’m chief executive of the Sherwood Forest Trust in Nottinghamshire, but for 15 years have been the volunteer chairman of Bythams Woodland Trust, near Stamford, Lincolnshire. Our site is called The Spinney – more than six acres of wonderful wild woodland that’s open 365 days a year.
Whereas many sites have operating restrictions, we have minimal rules. So, children can do all the things they should be doing – climbing trees, playing on swings and slides, having campfires and making dens. I grew up on a farm in Suffolk and was able to play in woods all day with no one looking over my shoulder. When I had children, I wanted to create a place where they could do the same.
It’s a labour of love. Our fantastic volunteers are out there almost every other weekend, come rain or shine, making sure the site is in good condition. So we’re more than happy to be working with the Woodland Trust to promote the Charter for Trees, Woods and People. The Trust is looking for stories, and we really want to tell stories about how children and adults have enjoyed their time at The Spinney.
For me, it’s about getting people back to nature. There is something special about playing in a wood, getting muddy and having a lot of fun. And I think that’s what being a charter champion is all about.
To add your voice and stories to the Charter for Trees, Woods and People, or to become a charter champion, visit treecharter.uk
