Trees Matter! Bringing lasting benefits to people in towns
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trees matter [2colour] 21/3/05 3:52 pm Page 1
Trees Matter!
Bringing lasting benefits
to people in towns
trees matter [2colour] 21/3/05 3:53 pm Page 2
Introduction Summary of
Why we need benefits
more trees in towns
and cities
Trees are an important part of Trees and woodlands make a Page 4 – 5 Page 10
our natural life support system: they very positive contribution to A more moderate climate: Useful products:
have a vital role to play in the sustainable urban living. What is The shelter and shade from trees can save up to even in towns, trees yield traditional products
sustainability of our towns and cities more, investment in well-managed 10% of the energy needed to heat and cool such as timber, fruit and horticultural mulch,
and we need to take better care of greenspace can deliver many nearby buildings. They also reduce the effects of whilst renewable non-fossil fuel, high-value
them, both now and in the future. different benefits at the same time. air pollution and make outdoor spaces much chemicals and pharmaceuticals may be the wood
more comfortable. products of the future.
Trees in towns can improve public
Until quite recently, the values we attached to
health whilst also moderating the The leaves and twigs of trees slow down the rate
Page 11
trees and woods were very straightforward. In at which rainwater hits the ground and this helps
the countryside they produced timber and some
local impact of climate change,
to reduce the likelihood of localised flash flooding. Richer and more accessible
habitat for wildlife, whilst in the towns they were boosting wildlife and reinforcing wildlife:
valued almost entirely for the way they looked. the distinctive character of a place. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow and the trees play a vital role in the urban ecosystem, by
Here are just a few of the reasons carbon that they store in their wood helps to helping to support a great variety of wildlife
Now there is a growing recognition that trees why Trees Matter! They can reduce the rate of global warming. which people can enjoy close to home.
and woods can provide a whole range of
provide the following multi-
multifunctional contributions to environmental,
functional benefits for people: Page 6 – 7 Page 13
social and economic sustainability.
Trees Matter! provides a comprehensive Trees Matter! has been produced by the Healthier lives: Enhanced landscape quality
Trees and woods help to improve the quality of review of the benefits which can come from urban National Urban Forestry Unit (NUFU) in by filtering polluted air, reducing chemical smog Trees and woods can bring out the best in an
life for the millions of people who live and work trees and woods. This is supported by reference to partnership with Trees for Cities and with formation, shading out harmful solar radiation area’s local character. They provide a sense of
in urban areas, and since ours is among the most scientific research from around the world. Since financial support from the Landscape, Access and and providing an attractive, calming setting for long-term stability and a living link between the
urbanised societies in the world, the UK is a very the first edition was published in 1998 there has Recreation division of the Countryside Agency, recreation, trees can have a positive effect on the past, the present and the future.
good place to show how the urban forest can been some increase in the UK evidence base, but the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund and the Office of the incidence of asthma, skin cancer and many stress
Trees soften the landscape of hard-edged towns
contribute to sustainable development. the majority of references are still from overseas, Deputy Prime Minister. related illnesses.
and cities, making them greener, more comfortable
suggesting that we need to take the study of our and more attractive.
The multiple benefits of urban and community own trees and woodlands much more seriously. We cannot afford to lose the benefits that trees Page 8
forestry are strongly advocated in the Countryside and woodlands bring to those who live and work A more successful local and Page 14
Agency's joint vision with Groundwork 'The Most people agree that trees are a good thing, in towns. Please use Trees Matter! to persuade regional economy:
countryside in and around towns'1, which and yet we see them starved of natural food and as many people as possible that we must act now More sustainable communities:
trees help to create jobs and increase productivity
highlights the importance of multifunctionality in water, damaged at their roots by earthworks, to make sure there will be a thriving urban forest the landscape is the place where people meet.
and innovation. They encourage inward
greenspace planning, a principle that is now felled for development, casually vandalised or for future generations to enjoy. When communities play an active part in caring
investment and can increase property values by
beginning to be widely recognised. insensitively pruned. Many of the most significant for their local trees and woods, this helps to build
up to 18%.
trees in our towns and cities were planted more more confidence and shared enjoyment.
than a century ago, so although this living legacy Page 9
is wonderful, it is under serious pressure and in
steep decline. With care, we can continue to Land stabilisation and
enjoy it for a few years yet, but we also need an reclamation:
extensive programme of replacement planting to tree roots help to bind the soil together and
provide the trees and woodlands for the future prevent erosion. Some trees can also clean up
that will match the vision of the past. contaminated land.
2 3
trees matter [2colour] 21/3/05 3:53 pm Page 4
A better local
climate
The tree canopy acts a s
a natural ‘umbrella’,
with leaves and twigs
slowing the rate at
which rainwater reaches
the ground
Carbon dioxide is one of the world’s There is much more immediate benefit to Flash-flood protection
be gained from the contribution that trees in The canopy of the urban forest plays a
major greenhouse gases. As trees
towns can make to improving climate at a valuable role in moderating rainstorm impact.
grow they absorb and store the local level. People want to live and work in The rain is intercepted by the leaves and then
carbon in their timber, making comfortable surroundings and trees and evaporates or drips more gradually to the
forests important in the fight to woodlands help to moderate the local climate. ground. This lessens the likelihood of flash-
reduce the rate of global climate This seems likely to become increasingly flooding and helps to conserve ground water.7
change. However, since it takes a important since scientists are predicting far Using trees in towns as part of sustainable urban
more extreme weather patterns, increased risk drainage systems (SUDS),8,9 is a self-sustaining
wood the size of a football pitch to
of winter flooding and a greater likelihood of and cost-effective storm-water management
absorb the carbon emissions of an summer drought. Here are some of the ways in strategy which should be used to complement
average person in the UK 2, this role which trees help to moderate the local climate: much more expensive hard-engineering options.
for trees in towns will always be The study of a river catchment in south-east
strictly limited.3 Efficient use of Shelter Northumberland estimated the value of existing
energy and transport offer more Trees slow down wind speeds substantially 4, woodlands for flood alleviation at around
and so help to shelter urban open spaces. They £1,200 per ha. This figure is based on savings to
substantial opportunities for those
also help to reduce air turbulence, especially the engineering costs of flood control.10
who live and work in towns to around buildings, making towns and cities more
lessen their effect on climate comfortable for people. This is especially A study conducted by the organisation American
change. Nevertheless, all extra trees important for the elderly and the very young. Forests estimated that a 20% loss of trees and
are valuable and their role in The shelter from trees and woods in towns also other vegetation in the Atlanta metropolitan
absorbing carbon is certainly reduces the heating and air-conditioning costs of region would produce a one billion cubic foot
buildings. This can save as much as 10% of increase in stormwater run-off.11 It was
symbolically important.
annual energy consumption, and cut down the calculated that it would cost at least $2 billion to
air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels.5 build containment facilities capable of storing
that quantity of excess water. This provides a
Cooling the air strong argument for retaining and planting trees
As trees lose moisture from their leaves, the in cities.
surrounding air is cooled. This, coupled with the
shade they cast, and the heat reflected upwards Another American organisation, Tree People, has
from their leaves, significantly reduces summer studied the impact of urban forestry on
air temperature in towns.6 stormwater management12 and air quality in the
city of Los Angeles. Here, new woodland is being
carefully positioned within urban river catchments
in order to optimise its impact on stormwater
runoff.13
Urban flooding is
increasing with climate
change. The softer
elements of the landscape
can provide sustainable
A belt of woodland flood protection
creates a more sheltered
environment over a
distance of up to 20
times its height
4 5
trees matter [2colour] 21/3/05 4:42 pm Page 6
Healthier lives
Shade is increasingly Emotional well-being Encouraging physical exercise
Stress and a lack of physical At street level ozone (O3) is a smog-forming gas
important for protection
exercise, polluted air and ultra- which is produced when vehicle exhaust fumes against harmful solar The popular belief that people feel better in In an increasingly sedentary, vehicle-bound
are exposed to strong sunlight. Ozone can irritate radiation green, leafy surroundings is now supported by a society, lack of physical exercise is a very serious
violet solar radiation all cause
the lungs and aggravate symptons such as growing amount of scientific evidence. The stress threat to public health. It is directly linked to such
significant damage to the health coughing and chest pain. When concentrations of life in urban Britain is a very significant factor in issues as heart disease and diabetes, whilst a
of the nation. The trees and are high it can also sting the eyes, nose and the health of the nation, and many people find a general lack of mobility increases the risk of falls
woods in towns can help to reduce throat.19 The cooling and shading effect of urban green environment more relaxing. Urban and fractures, particularly in old age. A well-treed
these problems considerably in trees helps to reduce the rate of ozone residents suffering from stress have been shown urban landscape is more sheltered, more
the following ways: production.20 to experience less anxiety and insecurity when stimulating, and more likely to encourage local
they have a view of trees, and the physical signs journeys on foot or bike, thus making active
Cleaner air Noise reduction of stress such as muscle tension and pulse rate outdoor exercise more enjoyable. Since the air is
The UK Government estimates that more than Noise pollution is a major cause of stress and trees are measurably reduced within as little as 3 to 4 also less polluted when filtered by trees, physical
24,000 people die prematurely each year as can reduce the problem in two ways. Firstly, if a minutes of a stressed person moving into leafy exercise is made healthier still.
a result of air pollution.14 When the fine sooty belt of trees is dense enough it can reduce noise green surroundings.25 26 27 28
particles known as PM10s are carried into the levels by as much as 6-8 decibels for every 30 The growing national concern with obesity and
lungs they have a tendency to make chronic metres width of woodland.21 This can be cheaper Hospital patients with a view of greenery have other exercise-related health problems in the UK
diseases such as asthma and bronchitis worse. and more attractive than an earth mound, noise been shown to recover more rapidly, and require has stimulated a number of initiatives including
The canopies of trees act as a physical filter, barrier or fence.22 Secondly, there is evidence that less pain-killing medication than those who only BTCV’s Green Gym. This programme encourages
trapping dust and PM10s on the surface of their simply hiding the source of some kinds of noise have a treeless view of buildings. 29 These findings people to stay fit by undertaking practical
twigs and leaves. They are also very effective for can make them seem less intrusive and in these are echoed in two studies of prisoners who conservation work such as tree planting.33
Air pollution is a major filtering other toxic particles such as lead.15 The circumstances the visual screening effect of trees occupied cells with or without a natural view.
public health issue and
trees trap and absorb trees of Chicago, USA have been shown to can also be significant.23 There were fewer complaints of illness among Walking the Way to Health (WHI), 34 an initiative
certain pollutants very remove 10.8 tonnes of PM10s on an average those inmates with a green outlook.30 31 of the Landscape, Access and Recreation division
effectively summer's day.16 Whilst a study in the West Shade of the Countryside Agency, promotes the health
Midlands, UK, suggests that doubling tree cover Excessive exposure to the sun is being seen Tree related therapy benefits of regular brisk walking. These include
across the region would reduce the concentration increasingly as a serious threat to health. The Trees also have a more active role to play in improved weight control, extended life expectancy
of fine PM10 particles by 25%. This could prevent thinning of the protective ozone layer, coupled therapy. Tree and woodland-related activities and reduced risks of coronary heart disease,
140 air pollution related premature deaths in the with more extreme local weather patterns, is such as fruit-picking, basket-making and plant strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, bowel
region every year.17 being linked to the increased incidence of skin propagation are used to develop dexterity and cancer and osteoporosis.
melanomas - now the most rapidly increasing co-ordination, and the therapeutic benefit
Gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen form of cancer in the UK. appears to be made all the greater because of the The cost of physical inactivity to the economy has
dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are known contact with natural materials and living plants.32 been estimated at £8.2 billion in England.35 Urban
to cause respiratory problems and can also The dappled shade of trees provides a useful greenspace can make a cost-saving contribution to
increase sensitivity to allergens. Trees absorb these barrier to this harmful ultra-violet radiation, as the National Health Service and the wider economy
gases through their leaves. In the Greenwood well as reducing heat-induced stress amongst by providing a safe and stimulating setting for
Community Forest, near Nottingham, it has been people and animals. Provision of adequate physical exercise. These benefits can be very
estimated that the existing woodland reduces summer shade is seen as particularly important in Green surroundings significant. For instance, the public’s activity in a
make regular exercise
concentrations of SO2 and NO2 in the air by car parks, in school grounds 24 and around more enjoyable and park in Portsmouth has been estimated to save the
4%-5%.18 retirement homes. beneficial local economy £4.4 million each year.36
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The local Improving
and regional difficult urban
economy land
People are attracted to live, work Direct employment Land is at a premium in the UK, and
People are employed as nursery workers,
and invest in green surroundings, so in the most heavily populated
landscape and arboriculture contractors and
a commitment to the trees and tree officers in the production, planting and
regions there is a long history of
woods in towns is a very cost- aftercare of trees and woods in towns. There is using, abusing and then reusing it.
efficient way of underpinning the also an increasing amount of work for those Some trees have a remarkable
local and regional economy.37 38 such as rangers, educational play leaders and capacity for growing in hostile
Some people will be employed conservation officers who help local communities conditions. If chosen wisely and
to gain the maximum enjoyment from the woods
directly in expanding and managing planted at a young and adaptable
on their doorsteps.
the urban forest, but green age, then they can bring wasteland Derelict industrial land is
often colonised quite
infrastructure has a more significant Best value greenspace back into productive use. naturally by trees
economic role to play in creating management
a stimulating working environment, Much of the open space in towns is managed Soil stabilisation Where this land is contaminated, particularly with
improving the health of the as close-mown grass. This tends to be poorly Tree roots help to bind and stabilise the soil and heavy metals such as lead, zinc or nickel, some
used and expensive to maintain. Developing this, combined with the effect the leaves and trees are capable of absorbing the pollutants
workforce and attracting inward
woodland as an alternative to grassland branches have on reducing the impact of through the process of phytoextraction. By
investment. reduces maintenance costs whilst providing rainstorms, helps to lessen the rate of soil erosion repeatedly felling and removing the timber, the
recreational open space which benefits a wider and downstream sedimentation. This physical level of contamination can gradually be reduced.47
range of people. 39 40 protection brings significant economic benefits for At the same time, the movement of pollution by
highway drainage and wastewater management. leaching and erosion is slowed down.
Managing the urban
Inward investment forest provides direct Studies in Maryland, USA, have shown that the
A tree-rich urban landscape is increasingly employment for annual sediment yield from treeless urban areas One of the simplest and most effective roles
recognised as an important requirement for local people was as much as 1 000 times greater than that from that trees in towns can play is as a living screen. A
successful modern businesses. It is therefore wooded urban areas - 50 000 tonnes compared to relatively narrow belt of trees around the
important to care for the established trees, 50 tonnes per square mile.45 boundary of a bare development site can make it
but the environmental advantage can be more attractive prior to building, improve the
strengthened further by planting temporary Land reclamation prospects for regeneration and provide a green
woodland on vacant development sites. This Many towns and cities have areas of derelict and pleasant backdrop when the land eventually
helps to screen unsightly land and greatly and degraded land - a legacy of past industrial becomes a built development.
improves the image of industrial areas which are development, waste disposal and mineral
undergoing urban renewal.41 An attractive green exploitation. Establishing trees and woodland
environmental setting can also deliver secondary on this wasteland is a practical and very cost-
economic benefits in the form of increased effective option46 which can greatly improve the
commercial rents and local tax revenues.42 appearance of derelict sites, enhance their
value to wildlife and make them an asset for
People will pay a
premium for property in Property values recreation.
an attractive well-treed Several studies, in North America and more
neighbourhood recently in the UK, have shown that average house Adopting an ecological
prices are between 5% 39 43 and 18% 44 82 higher approach to the
planting of trees results
where property is associated with mature trees. in cost- effective,
sustainable greening
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Useful products Enjoyable access
to wildlife
Food Many popular garden birds are actually woodland
Although timber production has Concern for nature conservation species. They thrive in the urban forest
so far been of little commercial Trees can successfully produce fruit such as pears,
is reflected in the Government’s
apples, plums and cherries in the UK and they can ground flora and leaf litter all favouring
significance in the urban forest, also yield crops of nuts. Wines and syrups can
Biodiversity Action Plan and is particular species of plants and animals 61 62 and
there are various by-products, also be manufactured from the bark and sap of reaffirmed by various international there is wildlife value in isolated ancient trees,
such as charcoal, woodchip and species such as birch and maple, and urban trees conventions and conservation as well as those which form a part of
green waste compost which are such as lime and sycamore are important to policies. Wildlife is also enormously woodlands. Fallen logs and branches provide
playing an increasingly important beekeepers for local honey production. The fruit popular with the general public, important habitat for insects and fungi.63
part in the economics of urban trees in domestic gardens, allotments and school
with over 2 million members of the
forestry management. orchards may not be economically significant, but Public enjoyment
they provide a valuable source of locally
various UK nature conservation Urban woodland is, by definition, very close
Timber and wood products harvested fresh food. This is frequently grown charities and a huge market to where most people live and work. It offers
85% of the timber used in the UK is imported.48 organically and eaten by those who cultivate and for wildlife related products such as particularly convenient opportunities for
Trees in towns can yield both timber for gather it. In our urban society that experience is bird-feeders, nest-boxes, books environmental education and popular pastimes
construction and very high quality fine woods for increasingly important. and binoculars. such as bird-watching53 and it also generates
furniture, crafts and even veneers, but the a great deal of the wildlife which people enjoy in
quantities are always likely to be small. Chemical extracts Much of Britain’s native wildlife has its origins in Re-establishing vegetation their private gardens.64
Tannins, dyes and turpentine have been extracted the natural broadleaved woodland of the British All vegetation is of some benefit to wildlife.
Woodchip and bark are increasingly used as a soil- from trees for centuries, whilst over 20 species of Isles. As a consequence, the trees and woods in However, native plants which have been It is not always necessary to have direct
covering mulch in landscape schemes and for the British trees and shrubs are known to possess towns provide extremely successful habitats. established locally for a long time are known to physical access in order to enjoy woodland
surfacing of children's play areas. Compost is medicinal properties.51 Yew shoots, for instance, They support a great diversity of popular wildlife support greater numbers of invertebrates and wildlife. People can be satisfied simply by
increasingly in demand as an alternative to peat are being harvested commercially as a source of and an opportunity for people to enjoy nature these in turn support more birds and other knowing that wildlife exists around them,65
and is being produced from municipal green the cancer drug taxotere.52 Now, new technology on the doorstep.53 creatures.55 56 Favouring native species of trees and undisturbed sanctuary areas can increase
waste. The process is improved by the addition of is making it possible to extract far more of the and shrubs in new planting tends to encourage wildlife populations for the adjacent
shredded waste wood prunings and autumn chemical constituents of timber, for use in the A complement to other more wildlife. neighbourhood.66 67
leaves. Barbecue charcoal from UK urban manufacture of solvents, plastics, adhesives, wildlife habitats
woodlands is now available commercially. preservatives and fibres. So far, there is very little The greatest diversity of wildlife tends to be Increasing biodiversity
tradition of extraction from the urban forest, but in found where woodland, wetland, grassland and Different kinds of wildlife will thrive in different
Renewable energy crops the future this may offer a more attractive other habitats are interwoven. The woodland kinds of woodland. For example, whilst young
Concern about pollution from fossil fuels and commercial proposition. provides shelter, screening, seclusion and pioneer thickets of seedling birch and willow
radioactive nuclear waste is leading to increased reduced disturbance. Many species depend on a are extremely valuable for summer bird
demand for renewable sources of fuel. Fast combination of open glades and woodland migrants such as warblers, the dense scrub
growing wood biomass crops of willow are one cover54 and the woodland in towns can provide woodland of hawthorn and blackthorn
such developing source. Some of these biomass a strategic link between one natural green provides important cover for songbirds and a
crops are being planted in urban areas, close to the space and the next. rich supply of food for berry-eating winter
energy end-users.49 Wood energy cropping can visitors such as redwings and fieldfares.57 Long-
Fruit, charcoal and
woodchip are just three of provide local jobs and a local fuel supply and it also established ancient woodland is much more
the products that can come has the potential to provide an interim productive likely to contain the hollow trees and standing
from trees ain towns use on land zoned for eventual built development. dead timber needed by species such as bats,
Trees can complement a
Waste wood chip produced as a by-product of the wood-boring beetles, tawny owls and mosaic of other habitats
management of urban trees is increasingly being woodpeckers.58 59 60 The structure of a woodland
used to provide heating in wood-fuelled boilers.50 is also influential, with tree canopy, shrub layer,
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Enhancing
landscapes
Many studies have confirmed The softening effect of trees
Trees and woodlands help to soften and
the public’s preference for urban
complement the built environment, making it
landscapes with a rich tree cover. 68 greener and more attractive. This is particularly the
The greenness of the UK’s towns case where new planting is integrated into the
and cities is part of the country’s established urban forest as part of the design
appeal to tourists, and it is an aspect process for new built development, transport
of environmental quality which is a corridors and other elements of urban
regeneration. The beneficial impact of trees and
positive influence in encouraging
woods is greatest where development is planned
inward investment. In new built so trees can dominate the skyline.
development there has been a
move in recent years towards the Trees as a link with the past
more careful conservation of Trees can live for centuries, and many older
existing trees and woodland as a trees have important cultural or historical
significance to individuals, local communities and,
way of increasing the value of new Our cultural links with trees
sometimes, even to the population as a whole.69 It
development and of reinforcing is particularly important to identify and respect the
crop up everywhere
local landscape character. veteran trees in any landscape.70
There is a long tradition of using landmark
trees as boundary markers, meeting places or
prominent specimens. The role of trees in civic
design is an important aspect of the British urban
heritage, with trees used in formal avenues and as
a complement to significant buildings. It is
important for the cultural past to influence
decisions about the future.
Reinforcing local distinctiveness
Trees can strengthen the distinctive local character
of a place. The natural trees and woodlands of an
area tend to reflect the local climate, soils and land
form. They help to create a sense of continuity and
timelessness which can counter the uniformity of
Many of the UK’s most prestigious
so much new development, encouraging greater landscapes would be transformed if
pride amongst local people. they lost their trees
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More sustainable Conclusions
communities
The quality of urban living is By far the most popular individual recreational Trees are not an optional extra - they Trees are an economic bargain, but the benefits
activity in the UK is relaxing out of doors.76 they bring are difficult to evaluate. Nevertheless,
improved by a close and friendly deserve to be at the heart of policies
Traditionally, many of the people who live or work the financial benefits which are clearly attributable
relationship with neighbours. in towns enjoy their recreational ‘countryside’
for health, economic regeneration, to trees will generally far outweigh the cost of
Trees and woods can help to experience in parks, public recreation grounds environmental protection, nature their planting and continuing aftercare.79
bring people together and and informal urban wildspace. Trees and conservation, education and
strengthen communities, 66 whilst woodlands greatly enhance this experience, with community development. The UK Despite the benefits they bring, the care of trees
the involvement of people in the the added environmental benefit that there is no has one of the most urban societies and woods in towns is seriously under-funded in
need to use transport in order to get there. the UK. Many mature trees are badly neglected or
practical care of local trees and in the world, and there is a pressing
insensitively treated, whilst the failure rates for
woods can help to build a Education
need to provide many more new planting are often unacceptably high. There
stronger sense of 'ownership' Trees and woodlands can be used as an people with the benefits that can needs to be far greater commitment to
and civic pride. educational resource. It is possible to relate them come from trees and woodland on professional aftercare and more encouragement
to the national curriculum and to use them in their doorstep. for local communities to play an active part in
Growing and planting trees is a popular way of bringing Public involvement teaching a wide range of topics, from biology long-term management.
communities together to improve their surroundings People gain a great deal of satisfaction from and geography to maths, languages, art and
growing and planting trees, caring for them and design.77 Children (and adults) also learn through If more people demanded the benefits that
sharing that experience with others. As Trees for play, adventure and exploration. Easy access to can come from healthy trees and woodland on
Cities have experienced through their Trees for trees and woodland provides an invaluable their doorstep80 81 then the policy-makers and
London project, a strong sense of ownership facility for both formal and informal learning in professional practitioners would be much
develops between individuals and their personal the urban environment. more likely to find new ways of weaving urban
trees, vandalism is often greatly reduced, and the forests into the heart of their activities. We need
sense of individual and communal achievement The Forestry Commission’s Forest Education more well documented models to add to the
builds confidence. Success with trees can help to Initiative provides learning resources which use evidence quoted here. Most of all we need to
encourage people to deal with other shared trees, forests and forest products. In addition, an take the urban forest much more seriously and to
aspects of the sustainable communities agenda.71 72 increasing number of Forest Schools are also plant the trees and woodlands which will grow to
being established which build self-esteem and form our legacy for people in the towns and cities
Popular landscapes confidence through regular visits to special of the next century.
A major reason for people valuing woodlands is woodland sites. Children learn to appreciate
the sense of tranquillity and enclosure which they nature, to master tasks of increasing complexity
create, but at the same time this can also prompt and acquire associated social skills.78
Two satisfied customers in a free garden tree scheme! a perceived threat to personal safety. Research
into public perception of urban fringe woodlands
shows that many of these fears can be alleviated
by designing and managing the woodland
landscape to include open structure, good sight
lines and waymarking.73 74 Employing the services
of rangers, play leaders and voluntary wardens
can make the woodland more popular and
reduce the sense of insecurity for those who visit.75
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Partners in this
publication
National Urban Forestry Unit The Landscape, Access and
The National Urban Forestry Unit (NUFU) is an Recreation division of the
independent charity which works in partnership Countryside Agency
with organisations in the public, private and The Landscape, Access and Recreation (LAR)
voluntary sectors. Its main aim is to help create a division of the Countryside Agency is working
more tree-rich environment as an important means with English Nature and the Rural Development
of improving the quality of life for the millions of Service as a confederation of partners. The
people who live and work in towns and cities. confederation paves the way for the creation of
a new integrated agency which, once the
National Urban Forestry Unit necessary legislation has been enacted, will have
The Science Park, Stafford Road, responsibility for biodiversity, landscape,
WOLVERHAMPTON WV10 9RT sustainable management of the countryside and
Tel: +44 (0) 1902 828600 recreation and access.
Email: info@nufu.org.uk
Web: www.nufu.org.uk Acknowledgements
This review was researched by the National Urban
Trees for Cities Forestry Unit and edited by Chris Baines. Its
Trees for Cities is an independent charity that publication has been made possible thanks
plants trees and re-landscapes public spaces in to the generous support of the Landscape, Access
urban areas of greatest need. Its vision is to and Recreation division of the Countryside
stimulate a greening renaissance in cities around Agency, Rees Jeffreys Road Fund and the Office of
the world that will impact on global warming, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Special Grants
create vital wildlife habitats and beautify the Programme.
urban landscape, as well as encourage greater
social cohesion through the active participation of Photographs in this publication courtesy of Chris
local people. A special effort is made to involve Baines, the Landscape, Access and Recreation
children and young people in the projects. The division of the Countryside Agency, Midlands
public can get involved by sponsoring trees, Wood Fuel Ltd, National Urban Forestry Unit,
registering as a volunteer, enrolling on training Trees for Cities and Woodfall Wild Images.
programmes and going to its dance party
fundraisers.
Trees for Cities
Prince Consort Lodge, Kennington Park,
Kennington Park Place, LONDON SE11 4AS
Tel: +44 (0) 207 587 1320
© National Urban Forestry Unit 2005
Email: info@treesforcities.org
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