Unlike in England, Germany’s forests are completely safe. 90% are heavily protected by law and the 72 tree species are home to up to 10,000 animals and plants. Forests account for almost half of Germany’s land area (including all those forests surrounding the fairytale castles). Tree are so protected that there is even a word for it: Bannwald.
Next door, one third of Austria is also made up of protected forests. In Croatia, 10% of the country is National Park. From lakes to waterfalls and from trees to valleys, this is a country that looks after its woodland. It seems nearly all governments know how to protect their trees, except ours.
If planting trees, learn how to create gardens safe for pets (many woodland bulbs are unsafe) and know trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak and sycamore).
Keep away from grey/white caterpillars (oak processionary moths that cause allergies and breathing difficulties – contact a doctor/vet if in contact). Cordon off affected trees from livestock and horses. Mostly found in London in warm weather, report to your council and Treealert.
Did you know that a few years ago, the government was only stopped from selling off nearly all of England’s public forests to private industry? Only stopped due to a petition by 38 Degrees? The government later admitted it had made a mistake.
The Importance of Forest Conservation
Forests are not just beautiful, but play a crucial role in ecosystems by helping to prevent floods. They absorb carbon dioxide, then give out oxygen which helps to reduce carbon emissions. A healthy forest acts as a carbon sink, storing carbon in trees and soil. They also filter air and water, and provide critical habitats for wildlife, which also keeps nature in balance.
For instance, foxes naturally live in the woods, where they eat rabbits and rats. Without forests, foxes would (as has happened) end up venturing into urban areas, where they prey often on chickens in gardens.
Germany has implemented many plans to protect forests, so they thrive. There is far less logging than in England.
Bavarian Forest National Park and Black Forest National Park are protected reserves, that serve as sanctuaries for wildlife. Visitors can enjoy their beauty, safe in the knowledge that the forests won’t be sold off or chopped down.
Why England Needs to Learn from Germany
Recently in Northumberland, the famed Sycamore tree was mysteriously chopped down. People locally are heartbroken, the case is ongoing. Incredibly, it appears fresh shoots are appearing – not down yet!
But in Worcestershire, England’s second-oldest pear tree was legally chopped down, to make way for the disastrous HS2 project. Which not only will do nothing to stop climate change. But will kill around 22,000 wildlife a year when built, based on comparisons with similar high-speed trains abroad. The project has also destroyed many trees and huge areas of countryside in Buckinghamshire and the Chilterns, also destroying local flora and fauna.
Even since being elected in July 2024, the new Labour government has decided to rip up some planning laws, which means local councils and builders will now be able to destroy forests, in order to build new homes. Of course we do need more affordable homes. But this does not have to be done at the expense of our forests and wildlife.
Peter Wohlleben’s Insights on Forests
Peter Wohlleben is a German forester whose job was to look after native forests. He began writing books on trees and forests, and how his works are known worldwide, shedding light on how trees interact, and the important of preserving their ecosystems. His works include:
The Power of Trees is a book to show that ancient forests can save us, if we let them. While politicians and business leaders would have us believe that cutting down forests can be offset by mass tree planting, Peter warns that many tree-planting campaigns lead to ecological disaster.
Not only are these trees more susceptible to disease, flooding, fires and landslies – but forests are much more than simply a collection of trees. They are ecosystems that consist of thousands of species, from animals to fungi to bacteria. The way to save trees (and ourselves) is to step aside, and let forests (which are naturally better equipped to face environmental challenges) heal themselves.
Walks in the Wild is a charming armchair read, as Peter takes us on a walk in the forest. Can you tell which plants are safe to eat, which trees are best to shelter under a storm, and how to tell a deciduous and coniferous tree apart?
The Hidden Life of Trees explores the idea that trees are social beings. Trees communicate through root systems and fungal networks, sharing nutrients and even warning each other of the dangers. This interconnectdness mirrors that of human communities. Peter believes that public involvement is essential for conservation, and advocates educating local people on the roles that trees and forests play in our lives.
Can You Hear the Trees Talking? is an interactive illustrated book for young readers, teaching how trees feel, communicate and take care of their families. Children will learn about the forest ‘wood wide web), aphids (who keep ants as pets) and nature’s water filters. Also learn how trees get sick, and how we can help them to get better.
Do You Know Where The Animals Live? is another of Peter’s wonderful books, to educate younger readers on the importance of trees and the creatures that live in them.
Wise Words on Forests from Peter
If we want to use forests as a weapon in the fight against climate change, then we must allow them to grow old. Which is exactly what large conservation groups are asking us to do.
Trees sometimes nourish the stump of a felled tree for centuries after it was cut down, by feeding it sugars and other nutrients, so keeping it alive.
If a tree falls in the forest, there are other trees listening.
When thick beeches support and nourish other trees, they remind me of a herd of elephants. They too look after their own, and help their sick and weak back up on their feet. They are even reluctant to abandon their dead.
Trees could solve the problems. If people trying to improve things, would only allow them to take over.
How Can We Protect Forests Worldwide?
There are a few simple ways, mostly involved in simple swaps:
Avoid palm oil (chopping down old forests that are home to orangutans, to plant fast-growing plantations for junk food and soap).
Switch to recycled paper products:
