In our busy lives, we often take trees for granted yet trees in some degree affect us all. Trees and woodlands are crucial to a healthy environment and so important to the quality of lives of people. There is now a growing recognition that trees provide a variety of benefits as shown below

Landscape Benefits Most people if they stop and think about it, would agree that trees matter to the visual quality of the environment, whether in the countryside or the town. Trees help to reinforce local character and strengthen a sense of place, and in some places form important landmarks. Trees can be valued for their screening properties or their sheer beauty. They connect us to Nature by reminding us of the seasons. Research has shown that trees also make a positive contribution to people’s health by reducing stress.

Climatic Benefits In a time of increasing climate change, trees can help to alleviate climate extremes. Trees reduce temperature extremes and provide shade from harmful ultra violet rays in the summer months. Trees slow down wind speed, giving shelter, thus saving energy in our home, as well as reducing air pollution, by filtering the air, trapping tonnes of dust grime and pollutants.

Trees can reduce the impacts of rainstorms thus mitigating the risk of flash floods. This reduces, drainage costs, sewer overflow costs and reduces soil erosion. Trees also can reduce noise - lowering noise levels by 6-8 decibels. Importantly trees can help to reduce CO2 emissions by absorbing carbon dioxide, the most significant greenhouse element during photosynthesis. By planting as few as three trees, which will absorb one tonne of CO2, you are helping to reduce carbon emissions in the District.

Carbon sequestration is the term describing processes this process. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, store the carbon in sugars, starch and cellulose, and release the oxygen into the atmosphere. Trees by themselves are not the answer to climate change – but they are part of it.

Economic Benefits Trees have economic benefits. Their timber can be used in the construction industry, or to make paper. Recently there has been a renewed interest in the use of wood as a renewable fuel thus replacing fossil fuels. Trees can also provide food (apples, nuts) and medicines (willow-aspirin and yew -cancer drugs).

Trees help to make an area more attractive for living and working. This positively affects property values and helps to attract investment.

Community benefits Trees also strengthen communities by providing opportunities for people to work together for the benefit of their trees and the local environment. The fact that South Somerset has over 100 Tree wardens reflects the public’s interest in trees.

Wildlife Benefits Trees also provide valuable habitat for our precious wildlife by providing food and shelter. Along with hedges, they help to form wildlife corridors linking often-isolated important habitats.

South Somerset District Council now has a Tree Planting project officer to promote tree planting in the District. Last year she made over 50 sites visits resulting in the planting of 4000 trees. Before the end of the planting season this figure is expected to double.

The officer gives free practical advice on all aspects of tree planting in South Somerset and is happy to visit all landowners and, local communities, She can give advise on selecting suitable tree planting sites, selecting suitable species and provide guidance on grant aid.

For more details, please contact the Tree Planting project Officer Barbara Collier Telephone 01935 462120 on Thursdays or Fridays or by email: Barbara.collier@southsomerset.gov.uk