Why is Britain one of the Least Wooded Countries in Europe?

Real Estate Insights, from Savills

When it comes to climate change, the message is clear: native woods and trees are one of the best ways to tackle the climate crisis.

So, why is Britain one of the least wooded countries in Europe?
In this episode of the Nature-Based Solutions takeover, we delve into how we can restore our native woodlands and temperate rainforests, and the transformative impact that trees and hedgerows can have on everything from our mental health to natural ecosystems.
Sara Lom, Chief Executive of The Tree Council, speaks to Nicky and Alex about the importance of empowering young people to become Tree Champions; why monocrop tree planting isn’t the answer; and how we can achieve bigger, healthier, better-connected hedgerows.
We also hear from Sabine Nouvet, who works within the Celtic Rainforest Project for the RSPB. This 7-year LIFE project focuses on protecting and restoring 5 designated temperate rainforests across 40,000ha of Wales. We speak to Sabine about how the west coast of the UK was previously covered with temperate rainforest and how her work is helping to restore this landscape to Eyri National Park in Wales.

You can find out more about what Savills is doing to protect and restore our natural environments by visiting our Natural Capital page.
Dive into our reading list to continue your Woodland journey:

• An Irish Atlantic Rainforest, by Eoghan Daltun
• The Lost Rainforests of Britain, by Guy Shrubsole
• Wildwood: A Journey Through Trees, by Roger Deakin
• The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, by Peter Wohlleben
• The Wood: The Life & Times of Cockshutt Wood, by John Lewis-Stempel
• Britain's Trees: A Treasury of Traditions, Superstitions, Remedies and Literature, by Jo Woolf and National Trust Books
• Trees and Woodland in the British Landscape, by Oliver Rackham

Inspired by this series? Get involved via social media with #SavillsNBS.

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Nature-Based Solutions is hosted by Nicky Wightman, Savills Global Director of Emerging Trends, and Alex Godfrey, Savills Joint Head of Natural Capital. The show is produced and edited by Becki Hills.