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The National Forest's contribution

The National Forest is helping to reduce the effect of carbon emissions, in a number of ways:

  • Firstly, The National Forest is indeed sequestering carbon and ‘locking it up’ for the future. (Carbon is stored in the living trees, roots and in stable forest soils, as well as in timber products). By planting up to ½ million trees a year and creating other habitats, such as wetlands, open parklands and natural regeneration, The National Forest is guaranteeing a more carbon-friendly form of land use than intensive agriculture, mining or industry.
  • Secondly, we are developing and promoting locally grown wood fuel. As a source of energy, it emits significantly less carbon than fossil fuels, whilst at the same time providing a useful market for potentially waste products (thinnings, branches etc) from the forest. Wood products, as promoted by our work to develop a wood-based economy, also lock up carbon.
  • Thirdly, attractive woodlands for people to enjoy near where they live will provide a healthy environment and the opportunity to participate in leisure pursuits without intensive carbon-producing travel.

In addition to reducing the effects of carbon emissions, woodland and other habitats can help us adapt to the effects of climate change. For example:

  • Woodland created with climate change in mind can serve as a buffer to help ameliorate the more extreme local effects on species and habitats.
  • Whilst the effects of climate change are still uncertain, a mixed, wooded landscape is strongest and most resilient, with linked woodland allowing species to migrate to more suitable environments.
  • Trees will filter pollutants and reduce soil erosion by wind and water.
  • Trees can provide shade that moderates temperatures in buildings and reduces energy costs (financial and environmental). Shade from trees in playgrounds will make hot summers more bearable for children.
  • Selective planting in flood plains can help manage rising water levels and contribute to flood control.
  • Planting specimen trees in parklands will anticipate any loss of older trees from the increased incidence of storm damage.

There are also many opportunities to support environmental education within the Forest, which creates an increased awareness of the issues and a greater commitment to implement the necessary changes to our lifestyles.

Next: Helping you reduce your carbon footprint

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