The United Kingdom once had vast and extensive forests that spanned the islands, but that was 5,000 years ago in Neolithic times.
Since then, humans cleared the land for agriculture, building materials, firewood, and settlements. Human population growth and territory expansion always has profound and oftentimes devastating effects on the environment.
United Kingdom Forests
The tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men running amok in Sherwood Forest to make the world a better place for the downtrodden by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor conjures images of merry old England as a dense and vast wooded land. Maybe, at one time this image was accurate.
But now, nothing can be further from the truth. The United Kingdom is forested, but not as much as one would imagine.
Currently, the United Kingdom has less than 12% forested area, making it one of the least wooded areas in Europe.
In the early 20th century, the United Kingdom was reliant on timber imports because there was not enough domestic wood available. In 1919, the Forestry Commission of Great Britain established plantation forestry program. At that time, there was about one-half the current amount of forested area.
In general, current residents of the United Kingdom have very little interest in planting trees because is something that is regarded as a low-class and undignified activity reserved for immigrant laborers. This is a rather peculiar stance because well-manicured English gardens are an inherent part of the culture.
One Canadian organization has taken the lead on the reforestation of the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom Reforestation Projects
The United Kingdom has received tree-planting assistance from a group of eager Canadians, who brave the cold and wet British winters to plant saplings. Flat Cap Forestry, a Canadian company, led by Hugh Gilmour is amazingly productive in the reforestation of the United Kingdom. Afforestation (forest creation) is occurring too, where trees are being planted in areas that were never forested.
This group is planting Sitka spruce and Douglas fir, which are fast growing New World tree species. These species provide faster generation turnaround, timber harvesting, and cash returns than slow growing hardwood species.
The Canadian planters work fast and efficiently. They can plant about 4,000 trees per day. They have a contract to plant one million trees per year. Tree planters from some other nations simply can not compete with the speed and volume of the Flat Cap Forestry crew.
Queen Elizabeth II Orders Reforestation of the United Kingdom for Her 2012 Diamond Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth II recognizes the importance of her Empire’s appearance, which includes the natural landscapes.
For her Diamond Jubilee celebration in 2012, which marks 60 years since her accession to the throne to rule over seven nations, she has ordered the reforestation of England and the United Kingdom.
Queen Elizabeth II proclaimed a bold initiative for her loyal subjects to plant six million trees to create numerous “Jubilee Woods” across the United Kingdom.
Carbon Credits and Carbon Offsets
The grand plan for the reforestation effort is to establish carbon projects, which include the sale of carbon credits and carbon offsets. Carbon projects are primarily focused on tropical rainforest conservation and restoration. Smaller restoration efforts are underway in other types of forests around the world.
One carbon credit or carbon offset represents the removal or emissions reduction of one tonne (metric ton) of carbon dioxide equivalents from the atmosphere. Mandatory and voluntary carbon credit and carbon offset systems are in place in many nations to reduce industrial, residential, and vehicular carbon dioxide emissions.
The reforestation of the United Kingdom is launching the nation into a new environmental phase. Revenue obtained through the sale of carbon credits and carbon offsets can finance more reforestation projects. There is a great deal of room for expansion and success of the project.
Sources
- Casey, Allan. “Canadian Trees Repopulate England’s Lost Woods”. Canadian Geographic. January / February 2011 Issue. Accessed 14 NOV 2011
- Flat Cap Forestry Accessed 6 NOV 2011
- Green, Georgia. “Examining the underlying causes of woodland loss from road-building: a case study of the Newbury Bypass, UK”. World Rainforest Movement.
- Jubilee Woods / Woodlands Trust Accessed 6 NOV 2011
- Latham, Marc. “Millions of Trees Will Be Planted for UK Queen’s Diamond Jubliee”. Suite101.com. Sep. 21, 2011 Accessed 6 NOV 2011.
- Tree Planter Accessed 14 NOV 2011
- “Woodland”. Natural History. London. Accessed 6 NOV 2011.
Mike Brandolino - Mike is a Research Biologist and Environmental Professional. His writing topic interests are wide and varied.
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