Our Mission

 

Planting trees, protecting forests. Our mission is not easy, but at its core it really is that simple.

Britain is one of the most wildlife depleted countries in the world. Just 13% of the land area of the United Kingdom is woodland, well below the European average and far less than the historical range of forest in this country.

Britain’s forests are slowly increasing, but much of the tree cover is planted for commercial extraction. Some 57% of forest planting in 2020 was made up of conifers, imported species which contribute nothing to biodiversity. We cannot save our wild spaces in this way. Neat rows of alien trees - devoid of life and destined for the sawmill - are no replacement for diverse forests, full of native species and teeming with flora and fauna.

To save our forests we need to take them into public hands. By doing this, we can ensure that the forests are properly managed. For this reason the Broadleaf Foundation is committed to buying up established forest and providing unfettered access to all, forever. The long term physical, spiritual and emotional benefits of wildspaces are very real and encouraging our communities to cherish their woodlands is the first step towards a sustainable relationship with the natural world.

But it isn’t enough simply to protect existing woodlands. To reverse the decline of our ecosystem, we have to help nature recover. Established broadleaf forest, filled with charismatic British species like oak, ash and birch, require little more than safeguarding, but immature trees can take as long as 20 years to reach the point where they can thrive free of human intervention. We can’t just plant trees and hope for the best. Effective forest husbandry; clearing out fast growing, invasive species; soil and water management and a commitment to education and access are all hugely important to successful rewilding.

To do it right means growth at a manageable pace, bringing communities along with us and fostering a sense of ownership. Britain’s forests belong to all her people and giving those with limited access to forest resources more chances to experience nature is a vital part of the success of our mission.

We hope you’ll join us.